Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

167. Chapter 167

Chapter 167

When Jaedynn, Roshad, her brothers and Ashti finally returned to the house after a long walk on the beach, Bastet and Rashida were deeply engaged in conversation with Nathan and Ada María. Ivory and Scarlet were mostly listening but joining in the conversation here and there. It was clear that, at the very least, her family was getting along with Bastet and Rashida effortlessly. Ashti kept herself more concerned with getting to know Jaedynn while Bastet and Rashida took over the task of becoming better acquainted to the rest of the family and the following day after they'd arrived, they all met the remainder of the family at the Cullens' home. Heather's graduation party, held shortly after their arrival, was another time for Roshad's family to get to know everyone better including Levi and Evalynn who'd flown in not only for Heather's college graduation but for summer vacation. She even had a job ready for her for when she graduated. Embry had added a marketing department to his company. Of course, by marketing department, he meant one guy that he'd hired with previous experience that wanted a change of pace in his career. Heather would answer to him given she was new to marketing and business from a professional level but Embry was confident she'd do well. Jaedynn still found Ashti extremely intimidating, but she would see her with Kamron and Ashti would seem like a completely different person: sweet, affectionate, attentive and very loving. With her, Ashti was observant, quiet and came off as very cold.

"I think your mom still doesn't like me," Jaedynn said to Roshad after a week of constant supervision and chaperoned dates. They were outside on the porch sitting together on one side while Ashti was on the other end of the porch with Kamron in her lap. The sun was out and what little skin she had exposed sparkled when the light hit it, but given it was only her hands and sometimes her eyes, it wasn't obvious or something to be worried about. Kamron seemed amused by the sparkling and wiggled in Ashti's lap as she played with him.

"Don't be discouraged," Roshad assured but kept his hands to himself. "She's warming up, I promise. She's still angry with me, but it's only me. She really is trying to get to know you but she wants to see how we interact."

"Honestly, I think the only person she likes right now is Kamron," Jaedynn said.

"Kamron is a baby; she would adore him no matter what," Roshad said with a gentle smile. "I did not tell you: yesterday she slipped and called him her grandson instead of Kamron."

"Did she?"

"Yes," Roshad smiled, "She was bragging about him in fact. She said to me, 'Did you know my grandson will turn his head to acknowledge the smallest sound? He is a very alert, intelligent little boy.'"

"That was very sweet," Jaedynn smiled. "So you promise she's warming up to me?"

"I swear," Roshad assured. "She was critical of us seeming awkward with each other, but I explained we were not used to her hovering. Thankfully, she's seen us interacting normally since then and she's amended her opinion."

"I hope so," Jaedynn said. "Has she always been this hard on perspective daughters-in-law?"

"It depended," Roshad said, "With Aida and Fatimeh, she approved of them after a few days; Miriam she was extremely hesitant. If I'm honest, she had the same concerns."

"You mean thinking we're gold diggers?"

"Yes, if I'm honest," Roshad said with a guilty sigh. "She was much more open given Miriam was Muslim and there weren't any…I suppose unforeseen circumstances that I had not previously relayed to her, but she still was not initially in favor of the match. The language barrier didn't help either."

"Miriam only spoke Arabic, right?"

"Yes," Roshad said, "but she really did try to learn Farsi. But when you're used to a Semitic language and trying to learn an Indo-European language, it gets really difficult. Farsi has extra accents and symbols in our writing system when compared to Arabic, so that made reading really tricky too."

"At least she had some prior footing I guess," Jaedynn said. "When I look at Farsi, I feel like I'm staring at an alien language."

"Roshad chuckled, "Imagine how we feel when looking at the Roman alphabet."

"Point taken," Jaedynn smiled. She looked over at Ashti watching the woman speaking to Kamron in a sweet voice tickling his belly and playing with his feet. "She really missed being a grandma did she?"

"Very much," Roshad said. "You forget this woman has been trying to see me remarried for a century. She wanted my happiness, but she also wanted more grandchildren."

"What happens when you and I have finished having children?"

"Kamron and our other children will just need to have children of their own," Roshad said. "Be prepared for maman to take the role of matchmaker when our children are older."

"Oh boy," Jaedynn answered in a humored tone. "Just try to reign her in."

"I'd have greater success subduing a rampaging elephant," Roshad said and this time Jaedynn laughed out loud. "I shall try at least."

"That's all I ask," Jaedynn said. Then she heard Kamron start to cry and that grabbed Jaedynn's immediate attention, recognizing his 'hungry' cry. "I'll take him, Ashti," she said and picked Kamron up to take him inside somewhere private so she could feed him. Ashti stood from her chair and approached Roshad after Jaedynn retreated inside.

"She is attentive; that's good," Ashti said.

"She's a good mother," Roshad said. "She would be a good wife too."

"When she's not on edge, she is lovely," Ashti said.

"Maman, you scare her," Roshad said, "she's not usually so ill at ease."

"Yes, I see that," Ashti said. They were quiet for a brief moment.

"I really do love her, maman. She loves me too. Your blessing would mean the world; not just to me but to Jaedynn especially. She really wants you to like her."

"Yes, Roshad, I know she wants me to like her," Ashti said, "But you are my son first and forever. Love is blind and can mislead the heart. It takes an outsider to look at things objectively."

"Has my judgment ever failed me in such regard?"

"Your judgment has never led you to lie to me," Ashti said pointedly and Roshad sighed.

"I said I was sorry, maman. I'm begging you to not bring this out on Jaedynn."

"Roshad, try to understand how I feel. It does not look good that you felt the need to lie to me. I'd not have been so upset if you'd just told me from the beginning and I'd have happily helped."

"As I said: I wanted to be a part of Kamron's birth. That boy was my son from the beginning and I did not want to lose out on any part of it."

"If you'd told me from the beginning, we could have met right away and the two of you could have married right away without an interference as you say. Instead, you chose to lie to me and, worse, live in sin. I'm not stupid, Roshad. I can tell she was living here. I will not shame her for that: you took responsibility as Kamron's father and were putting a roof over your son's head. I will, however, shame you for engaging in such unacceptable behavior with a woman you are not married to."

"Maman, times are different-"

"I do not care what 'time' says is acceptable, I care what is acceptable in the eyes of Allah," Ashti said, "And living with a woman you are not married to and behaving as though you're married is not acceptable. I raised you better than that whether you accept our Lord's word or not."

"Fine," Roshad sighed heavily. "What else can I do to correct this? What else can I do to earn your approval?"

"Continue as you have," Ashti said. "When I am satisfied, I will give you my answer and not a moment before." Roshad said nothing and sat back in his chair trying to take a deep breath. "She's doing fine, Roshad," Ashti said, "despite your misconduct, I find her pleasant and lovely. She needs to relax."

"Yes, maman," was all Roshad said.

"Now," Ashti proceeded, "it is my understanding that you both want a wedding in her traditions to start?"

"That is correct," Roshad answered.

"And that can be arranged with ease?"

"Yes," Roshad said, perking up a little.

"Good," Ashti said, "then once I've made a decision, we can proceed without issue. Tell Jaedynn to give Kamron back once he's been fed."

"Yes, maman," Roshad answered. Several minutes later, Jaedynn finally returned, but she gave Kamron back to Ashti without being asked. Ashti mumbled, 'good, she is learning' under her breath in Farsi and began playing with Kamron again.

"What's wrong?" Jaedynn asked when Ashti spoke in Farsi.

"Is nothing to concern. You go; I play with Kamron," Ashti said.

"Okay," Jaedynn said nervously and walked back to her seat beside Roshad.

"Take a deep breath," Roshad said and Jaedynn did just that. "You're winning her over. I know it does not seem like it, but you are."

"Promise?"

"I promise," Roshad smiled lovingly.

Jaedynn was at the house for the remainder of the day and Roshad made dinner for her, for Ivory and for Anatoli who came to the house after work with Argo so he could play in the backyard and maybe enjoy some time in the lake. Jaedynn left with them after dinner for the night but was back again the following day to repeat the cycle. Then when it was Saturday again, they were all at her parents' house for another more formal gathering. Then that Sunday, everyone was at Roshad's home for yet another gathering. It was exhausting.

"I swear Roshad's mother was a hawk in a previous life," Jaedynn said to Ivory that Sunday after dinner when they'd returned to Ivory's and Anatoli's house.

"If I didn't see her with Kamron all the time, I'd think she didn't have a heart," Ivory said. "How much longer before she finally gives the green light and we can be done with all this?"

"I don't know," Jaedynn groaned. "If I'd known it would be like this, I'd have sucked it up and met her a long time ago and Roshad and I could be married by now."

"You were ready to marry Roshad at the time," Ivory said. "Getting out of an abusive relationship that's taking you to court is not the time to get married."

"I know, I know," Jaedynn said. "I suppose I should be grateful she's not indifferent like Alex's mom was."

"It helps that he actually respects his mother too," Ivory said. "A man that can't show his mother respect is never a good sign."

"Yeah, but Rita was awful," Jaedynn said.

"The apple never falls far from the tree," Ivory replied. Her comment hung in the air for a moment.

"I just can't help feeling bad for Alex where his mother is concerned," Jaedynn said. "With that woman as his mother, he never stood a chance."

"Abuse doesn't give you the right to become an abuser. A strong person realizes they were mistreated and makes an effort to be better and end the cycle. A weak person takes that abuse and channels it against those that are not responsible," Ivory said. "It doesn't matter. If nothing else, you've got Kamron and you met Roshad. At least some good came out of everything."

"True," Jaedynn said. "Now I just need to get his mother to like me."

"If Roshad says she's warming up to you, than I say keep doing what you're doing. She can only hold off for so long."

"She's a vampire; she can hold off as long as she wants," Jaedynn said.

"In that case, give her a month and if she doesn't give an answer by end of July, run away to Vegas and elope," Ivory said.

"Not in a million years," Ivory said.

"Oh, come on. You don't want to get married at a 24 hour chapel drunk off your ass? Nothing like renewing your vows in the middle of the night after two bottles of wine and some hard liquor. Wasn't that fun, Anatoli?"

"It was a fairy tale come true," Anatoli called back jokingly from the kitchen.

"No, I do not want to get married at a 24 hour chapel drunk off my ass. You only did that for fun on yours and Anatoli's four year anniversary so it doesn't count," Jaedynn said.

"Our actual wedding was a dream," Ivory smiled reminiscently. "But there is something fun about a wedding while shit-faced in the middle of the night. Of course, Roshad doesn't usually swing like that."

"No, he doesn't," Jaedynn said. "He doesn't drink either."

"It's not a life worth living," Ivory joked.

"Try not being allowed to drink at all," Jaedynn said.

"All the more reason to just have a fur baby instead of a human baby," Ivory said.

"I almost hope you and Anatoli have a kid someday; make you understand what we all go through," Jaedynn smiled.

"Not on your life, sister," Ivory said and the two of them laughed.

"Anatoli," Jaedynn called to Anatoli while he was made himself and Ivory coffee, "don't you think you and Ivory should have kids?"

"We have a kid," Anatoli said and stepped out with two large mugs of coffee and a platter of cookies with Argo walking beside him, "Speaking of, Ivory, your son got himself on the table and ate those brownies I had made."

"Oh, so when he's bad, he's 'my son', is that how it is?"

"Yes, and when he's good, he's my son. This is how this works; we've been over this," Anatoli said and put the coffee and cookies on the table in front of the couch for them, tea for Jaedynn. He quickly went back to the kitchen to grab his own mug.

"You know, Anatoli, I don't see you keeping Argo away from the table. You give him table scraps and you know full well you shouldn't do that. Now he just looks at you all hopeful and doe eyed at dinner and it's all your fault."

"It's only sometimes," Anatoli said as he took his seat at another chair.

"No, not sometimes. You do it all the – No! Argo!" Ivory yelled when Argo came around and, using his large tongue, nabbed a few cookies off the tray. She just stared as Argo ate what he'd brought into his mouth and then what had fallen on the floor.

"You're making no attempt to stop him, Ivory," Anatoli said.

"It's too late!" ivory said.

"So much for cookies with tea," Jaedynn said.

"Anatoli, get more cookies," Ivory said.

"There aren't anymore; that was the whole box." Anatoli glanced at the table as Argo now took a lap of Ivory's coffee. Ivory just stared in frustration. "He's drinking your coffee, Ivory."

"I can see that!" Ivory burst. "I want another coffee."

"Oh come on, you kiss that dog on the mouth all the time. I've seen you do it," Anatoli said.

"I kiss him on the nose," Ivory corrected, "and I'm not going to drink something when his mouth has been on it. You know where his mouth has been!"

"Just drink the coffee," Anatoli said.

"No," Ivory said. "For God's sake, Anatoli, he licks his own balls. Like you do." Anatoli cracked up laughing and Jaedynn was trying not to laugh. "Anatoli, please get me another coffee."

"There is no more coffee," Anatoli said.

"Anatoli, please?" Ivory said, laughing herself now.

"You have to drink Argo's coffee, Ivory; it's the only coffee that's left," Anatoli said. "Do you want my coffee without milk or honey? No," he said when Ivory shook her head. Then Argo walked away and hopped onto the couch. "Look! Ivory, he's done with it now."

"I don't care," Ivory said, still laughing and starting to cry a little through it. "Jaedynn, get me more coffee."

"You can get your own coffee, Ivory," Jaedynn said.

"You're all horrible," Ivory said, taking the mug and going to the kitchen to dump the coffee and clean the mug. Then she picked up the coffee pot. "Well lookie here! There's more coffee! What do you know?!"

"Wonderful news, Ivory," Anatoli laughed and sipped from his mug.

"You two are ridiculous," Jaedynn smiled.

"True love is being able to joke around with each other," Anatoli smiled.

"And depriving your wife of coffee apparently!" Ivory yelled from the kitchen and made Anatoli start laughing again.

All while this was going on, Desarae was waiting to finally go into labor. She knew she was due in July and waiting for July to come was excruciating. As happy as she was to be having a baby, she hated having to be on the sidelines when the kids were having their gymnastics time. She had to rely on the older students to help with demonstrations and she felt restless not being able to just do it herself. On top of that, everything hurt. Her feet were sore, her back was sore, she felt swollen and bloated: the final stretch of the pregnancy was the worst part. Beginning of July, Blu Jae returned home one evening from summer band practice. Forks would be having a big Fourth of July parade and kids from Forks High School would be performing and the Tribal School had been invited to join, so they were practicing for it. She had something in the oven so she could sit down on the couch and stretch.

"How do you feel?" Blu Jae asked when he came home.

"Sore," Desarae answered. Blu Jae came over to her and took a seat on the couch to start rubbing her feet. At least he tried to. She was so ticklish that rubbing her feet was nearly impossible.

"So more of the same so far?" Blu Jae asked.

"Yeah," Desarae said. "Your daughter's taking her time."

Blu Jae smiled and shifted his attention to massaging her calves, "Slow and steady wins the race, my love." Desarae groaned both with annoyance and, to some extent, relief from Blu Jae's hands. He reached one hand up to touch her belly hoping to feel a kick. Desarae rubbed her belly too.

"Say hello to daddy, Zurra," Desarae mumbled and a few seconds later, they finally felt a kick.

"There's my baby girl," Blu Jae smiled. Then the alarm on the stove went off, interrupting the comfortable silence. "What did you make?"

"Something I dumped in a pot and shoved in the oven," Desarae said.

"I'll get it out for you," Blu Jae smiled and left the couch to get dinner plated for her. It really wasn't much: a hodgepodge of vegetables layered on top of a piece of chicken that only had salt and pepper on it. Knowing she really liked it, he took out two pickles from the jar and added them to her plate before coming back to her and handing over the plate.

"Thank you," Desarae smiled. "You even brought me pickles."

"I asked Oscar and Travis to send some rattle snake and scorpions. Hopefully those will be here soon."

"What I wouldn't give for rattle snake stew and scorpions," she moaned at the thought.

It wasn't until the following day, but Oscar flew to Washington with some prepped rattle snake and some live scorpions so Desarae could have what she was really craving. Oscar made sure to bring some to Cidelle, Uilette and Yvonne knowing they'd be really upset if he didn't bring them some as well. Since the kids were back home for the summer, they were even able to keep the snake and scorpions to themselves. When 4th of July arrived, the town was abuzz with celebration for the holiday and Desarae was in town with Blu Jae and the kids who would be performing. As she always did, Ada María had specials on offer for the holiday for all the adults. Roshad brought his family to Forks that day so they could enjoy an American holiday. Ashti wasn't terribly impressed with the disorderly conduct but it gave her an opportunity to watch Roshad and Jaedynn together as they would naturally be: relaxed, smiling at one another and visibly in love. Finally, midway through July, Desarae started to feel some contractions, though it was rather slow. They would be several hours apart and she quickly realized it was just practice labor, but she didn't get discouraged.

When it was the 20th of July, Desarae was woken up in the middle of the night by an especially painful contraction. She thought nothing of it at first and breathed through it. Blu Jae was asleep beside her, staying at the house since beginning of July rather than go on patrol in case she needed him. Eventually it passed, so she tried falling back asleep. Just as she was about to doze off again, another contraction began that was the same intensity as before. This time, when it passed, she looked at the clock to see when it began. She was about to fall asleep again, but was woken again by the contraction. She looked at the clock again; it had been just over an hour between them. So she just sighed and tried her best to fall back asleep, though every time she either managed to or was about to, she was woken by a contraction again. By sunrise, they were consistently about an hour apart and she was in the midst of a contraction when Blu Jae woke and turned over in their bed about to ask how she felt. He sat up on his elbow when he realized she appeared to be in pain and came closer.

"Desarae, are you okay?"

"It's a contraction," Desarae said between deep breaths. "I think the first one happened around 11 and they've come and gone since then."

"I'll call Uncle Kyle," Blu Jae said and grabbed the phone beside his nightstand.

Kyle was at their house twenty minutes later to check on Desarae and find out how far along she was. By then, Blu Jae had called his parents and they were at the house shortly thereafter. They got a call placed to her family who said they would be there as soon as they possibly could. In the meantime, Desarae was walking around their bedroom trying to encourage herself along. Whenever she had a particularly bad contraction, Blu Jae would hold her and rock her so he could offer some ease to her. Blu Jae eventually went downstairs to talk to Natalie and Suerro and also to do his own pacing. He kept it to himself in their bedroom but now that he was downstairs, he allowed himself a moment of panic.

"Blu Jae, relax," Suerro said after Blu Jae was pacing as he was giving them updates.

"I feel so unprepared," Blu Jae said. He felt ridiculous for saying but now that it was actually happening it was feeling all the more real.

"You're prepared, Blu Jae; it'll be alright," Natalie said. "Just take a moment to relax and then go back upstairs. Don't like Desarae see you like this. She's already under a lot of stress so you don't want to make it worse by panicking."

"You're right," Blu Jae said and made himself stop so he could take a few deep breaths and calm down. He only returned upstairs when he finally had a hold of himself.

There were several more hours of waiting as the contractions were getting closer together. JJ, Eun Mi and the kids were in Korea for a visit, so they could not be there, but Salem came over with Yvonne and Mae as did Nesia. Ahiga was at work but promised he'd come over the moment he was out. Finally around 4:30, the contractions were close enough together that Desarae could start pushing. Blu Jae sat behind her on the bed and kept her slightly upright holding her hands while she pushed. Finally, the room filled with a baby's cry and Kyle presented Zurra to them and placed her on Desarae's chest to cuddle with each other. She was a tiny thing; only seven pounds. But she had a tuft of black hair on her head and long arms and legs and chunky little cheeks. Once the cord was cut and they'd had time to hold her, Kyle swooped Zurra away to get her cleaned up, give her any medicine she needed and start her legal documentation. Blu Jae brought Zurra downstairs to meet everyone and now that the baby was here, Natalie placed a call to Renesmee and Jacob who spread the word. Their house was packed with family members before they knew it, eager to meet the new baby and have a turn holding her.

"She's like a little string bean," Evalynn teased when it was her turn to hold Zurra. By now, Zurra was mostly sleeping opening her eyes from time to time but usually her eyes were closed.

"Taking after our side of the family already," Levi said.

"Zurra was your sister's name wasn't it?" Jacob asked Suerro.

"Yes, it was," he answered with a smile. When he'd found out from Blu Jae they were having a girl, he more or less told him they needed to name her Zurra. Thankfully, Blu Jae and Desarae both really liked the name and were happy to oblige. "They can choose their next child's name."

"How generous of you," Salem joked. "So is it Zurra Leigh or just Zurra?"

"Just Zurra," Blu Jae said. "Desarae wasn't as fond of Leigh. Honestly, I think her name will just be Zurra Rouge and that'll be the end of it."

"Nothing wrong with that," Nesia said. She was eagerly awaiting her turn and when Zurra was finally handed to her, she smiled and cooed to the little baby. After she'd handed Zurra off to the next family member, she looked at Ahiga with a silly smile. "She's a cute little thing."

"Yeah," Ahiga said. His smile was gentle, knowing what she was thinking. "Eventually, Nesia."

"I know," she said.

In Korea, JJ and the family enjoyed some much needed family time with Jae Sun and Yon. He made Mae Sun, Eun So, Hae Li and the twins help him with some farm work one day during their visit but the twins were more interested in playing around with the ox than actually helping with sowing. The sun was beating down and unbearably hot so there were plenty of days where cold noodle soup was what they had for dinner. Although it had been quite an adjustment and though he really missed home, Jae Sun was doing well. He'd taken loads of work off Yon's plate and after getting used to the work, he finally felt at home. Poki was feeling much more at home as well, but remained a firm indoor cat. He wandered out of the house once and it turned out to be one time too many. He happened upon a stray cat that did not appreciate him being in the area so Poki ran off to return home.

"So Eun Mi," Yon said to Eun Mi when they were outside on her porch looking out on the fields while Jae Sun and the kids were working, "I tried to introduce Jae Sun to a young woman in town."

"You did? How did that go?"

"Not as I'd have liked," Yon said. "I'd told Jae Sun that I would be introducing him to someone. She's a neighbor of ours and a very nice girl, but when we went to her family's house for lunch so they could introduce themselves to one another, there was simply no chemistry. I think Jae Sun didn't really want to be there and once he mentioned he used to be an animator, Mi Hae was unimpressed."

"She just doesn't know a good thing when she sees it," Eun Mi argued on her son's behalf.

"Don't be too hard on her," Yon said. "She's about Jae Sun's age and has it in her head that she wants to move to Seoul and find work but her parents aren't having it. They want her to get married and start a family. She doesn't really want to."

"Well no wonder their introduction didn't go well," Eun Mi said. She wasn't about to push, though. She suspected she'd not hear about a nice young woman until Jae Sun imprinted. She'd more or less accepted that where it concerned all her children.

"I will keep trying," Yon said. "Jae Sun needs to settle down and find a nice young woman. Too many kids today are refusing to marry and have children and it's sad."

"I'm sure Jae Sun will meet someone someday," Eun Mi said. "Just don't force anything. I can assure you: if Jae Sun wants to pursue her, he'll do so. If he doesn't, then he won't."

"Yes, I know," Yon said.

Most of that day in particular, Jae Sun and the rest of the village were getting the rice sown in order to harvest come December for sale. The plan was to make some Makgeolli to sell in town as well which Jae Sun was really looking forward to learning how to make. They were all sad to leave when it was time, but when their two weeks were up, the family said goodbye to Jae Sun and promised they'd come visit him again as soon as they possibly could. When they returned, it was time to finally meet baby Zurra.

When end of July came, it was nearing the end of Jaedynn's will and patience. Ashti had still said nothing about whether or not she approved of the union. The only thing Jaedynn could readily determine was Ashti clearly adored Kamron and was a doting grandmother. One day, Roshad asked Jaedynn to go on a walk with him through the park and Ashti, as per usual, was nearby and keeping a watch of things. Or listening more appropriately. All while she tended to Kamron. Jaedynn made sure that she and Roshad talked and interacted normally, but she couldn't get her mind off Ashti and her opinion. She was not about to discuss the matter with Roshad when the woman was present given her English had only improved since she arrived, but it was really hard to keep it to herself. Instead, she did little things in hopes Ashti would finally give her blessing. She started wearing a hijab every day, she made sure everything she wore was long sleeved (her comfort in the heat be damned) and she made sure she always kept her hands to herself but it felt like nothing was working. The woman conveyed nothing. Then, after that particular date when Roshad was dropping her off at Ivory's house, Jaedynn finally heard what she'd been dying to hear since she met the woman.

"You can marry my son; you have my blessing," Ashti said as she handed Kamron back over to her. Jaedynn was shocked for a second. It took her a moment to realize it was really happening. Roshad's smile was of deep relief and he promised on Saturday, they would go to the tribe for their long awaited moon ceremony.

"She finally said yes?" Ivory asked when she'd returned home from work and Jaedynn relayed the story.

"Yes," Jaedynn said, "And thank God! I was beginning to think she would never say yes."

"It's about fucking time," Ivory said and plopped onto the couch with Jaedynn while they watched some TV. "So when's the wedding?"

"As soon as possible," Jaedynn said. "We're going to see Uncle Kyle Saturday for our moon ceremony."

"Excellent," Ivory said. "What about that wedding in Iran the two of you want so badly?"

"I can't imagine that'll happen until next year. Honestly, we'll probably have a second child by that time."

"Slow your rows, Jaedynn," Ivory smiled. "Maybe let Kamron get a little older before the two of you have another."

"No, I'd like another baby," Jaedynn said, "and Roshad really wants another baby too."

"I realize he had all his other kids in rapid succession but it doesn't mean he needs to do that again."

"It's not that," Jaedynn said. "Part of it is I just miss him. We haven't been intimate since before Kamron was born and he hasn't laid a hand on me since his mother arrived. I'm ready to get back in the swing of things."

"So the issue isn't that you want another baby, the issue is you're horny," Ivory said.

"It's both," Jaedynn said. "I'm also just eager to go back home."

"I'm eager for you to go back home too," Ivory said and Jaedynn started laughing. "I love you to bits, Kamron, but your middle of the night wake up calls are starting to wear on Aunty Ivory's nerves."

As promised, come Saturday, Roshad and Jaedynn drove down to Forks with his family so they could finally have a moon ceremony. Desperate for some semblance of alone time, Roshad insisted that Ashti drive with Bastet and Rashida in the Porsche while he and Jaedynn drove in the Jeep with just Kamron. They'd called ahead so Kyle was home and ready for them when everyone arrived. Nathan and Ada María were there and when Kyle asked, Nathan gave his blessing and they finally began. Ashti held Kamron in the other room while the ceremony proceeded and finally, for greatest happiness and fertility they had to marry under the new moon. Sadly, the most recent new moon had already passed so they needed to wait until August before they could finally get married, but they were just happy to finally have a date in place.

"Will it matter that we'll have been married a year by the time we get married in Iran?" Jaedynn asked once they were on their way home.

"Not at all," Roshad said. "It's no one's business but our own and I doubt anyone would ask regardless. More importantly, do you want our reception inside or outside?"

"I guess it depends what either looks like," Jaedynn said. "Would we marry at a Mosque?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "Maman would never permit me to marry outside of a Mosque. I promise they're beautiful in Isfahan. There will be two ceremonies: our 'legal' ceremony and then our ceremony following traditional Persian customs."

"So we'd fill out a marriage license?"

"Since I'm still a citizen of Iran, yes," Roshad said. "Don't worry; whether it's our legal wedding or our Persian ceremony, it will be beautiful. We'll have our wedding ceremony in a Mosque like maman wants and our Persian ceremony and reception elsewhere. How about we have the second part of the wedding in a garden with a fountain?"

"That sounds beautiful," Jaedynn smiled. "I know you said Bastet, Rashida and Ashti would help us but I would really like to be able to see the venues for myself."

"A honeymoon to Iran it is," Roshad smiled and, for the first time in weeks, took her hand and planted a kiss to it. He kept holding her hand rubbing his thumb over her knuckles affectionately. "Shall we stay in Iran for our 2nd honeymoon or would you like to go somewhere different?"

"I guess that depends," Jaedynn smiled. "Can we save the house in Chalus for a 2nd honeymoon?"

"If you like," Roshad smiled and kissed her hand again. "I'm sorry. I know I've been less than affectionate since maman arrived."

"It's alright," Jaedynn said. "I know you'd have stolen a kiss had you been given a moment's rest."

"Indeed I would have," Roshad said.

"On the bright side, after the wedding, tradition dictates that we're to be left alone for three full days," Jaedynn said.

"Yes, I recall," Roshad smirked.

"I told Ivory I wanted another baby," Jaedynn said. "She thinks I'm nuts. I told her I really missed our prior intimacy and she stipulates I've just missed you."

"How do you feel?" Roshad asked.

"I told her it's a bit of both," Jaedynn said.

"I'm in agreement," Roshad said. "Why is it that time must pass so slowly?"

"I wish I knew," Jaedynn lamented with a longing smile. Roshad looked at her as though, had Kamron not been in the car with them, he'd have pulled over somewhere and made love to her in the Jeep. Alas, Kamron was snuggled in his blanket in Jaedynn's arms and they had to refrain.

"I love you, Jaedynn," Roshad said.

"I love you too," Jaedynn answered and after getting into a lane where there was plenty of space between cars, Roshad leaned over and gave her a kiss. They had to be brief since they were on the road, but it felt so nice regardless of its brevity.

Roshad dropped Jaedynn off at Ivory's and Anatoli's home and gave her one last kiss before she left the car. While they waited for their wedding day, Ashti remained a constant shadow to keep all interactions appropriate and, of course, look after Kamron. By now, she was already referring to Kamron as her grandson –or 'Nave' as Jaedynn learned – with regularity. Since they finally had a date in mind, Roshad reserved rooms at a local hotel where Bastet, Rashida and Ashti could spend the night come the wedding. They would return to Iran the following day and Roshad and Jaedynn would join them with Kamron shortly thereafter and meet in Tehran.

"How long are you two going to be there?" Nathan asked when Jaedynn told him the plan.

"A few weeks," Jaedynn said. "We'll be there mostly for a honeymoon but Roshad will need to do some work while we're there. He said he'd even take me to Fars Province so I can see the crocus fields where the Saffron gets harvested. Chalus we're going to save for after the second wedding."

"And when will this second wedding be?"

"In July," Jaedynn said, "that way Evalynn and Levi can come without issue if they want to; same with Nesia or Birdie."

"How much will that cost everyone?"

"If it's too costly, Roshad said he'll pay," Jaedynn said. "He promised he'd take care of the hotel expenses for everyone that decides to come."

"That's awfully generous of him," Nathan said. "So I take it that'll be a really big wedding?"

"Yes," Jaedynn said, "Roshad will be inviting friends, business associates, politicians; I think even the Shah is going to be invited."

"Jesus Christ," Nathan sighed heavily. "Alright, if he must."

"Look at it this way: after the wedding, you and mom can site see. What better history wonderland to enjoy than Persia?"

"This is true," Nathan chuckled and patted Jaedynn's back.

When it was the week of the wedding, Jaedynn moved herself and Kamron to her parents' house and, in accordance with tradition, Roshad sent her gifts. While he sent her some impractical things like silks, jewelry he'd made himself and several bouquets of forget-me-nots, he also sent practical things like diapers, new baby clothes, toys and anything else Kamron could need or want. He also sent her Kamron's passport that they'd finally received so that she had it along with her own passport. When it was the day of, Ivory took time off work and made sure she was at Nathan's house to help Jaedynn prepare for the wedding. Renesmee helped her into the rabbit fur dress and, so she wouldn't have to keep removing it, she spent a good portion of the morning pumping so Kamron would have breast milk any time it was needed and anyone could feed him. Thankfully, one of the toys Roshad had sent –a little floor mat with four thin poles attached in a pyramid shape that dangled soft toys above it – was keeping Kamron busy. Scarlet, Ada María, Ivory and Renesmee would take turns caring for Kamron so Jaedynn could get ready.

"I know you said she's not Muslim," Ashti said as they were getting ready at Roshad's house, "but is she Christian? A mosque will not permit a union within its walls if she's not of the book in some fashion."

"Her family's Catholic," Roshad said, "They just aren't practicing. This ceremony is in keeping with her tribe's traditions. She's Quileute first and foremost."

"If you say so," Ashti said. "I just wish your ceremony wasn't so….pagan."

"Maman, we'll have a 'proper' wedding in Iran," Roshad said. "We'll see some mosques and venues in Isfahan and July next year, she and I will have the wedding of your dreams," he went on to tease.

"Remember it's their wedding, Ashti," Bastet said. "You kept Jaedynn on edge for weeks so it's time to give them some space."

"Bastet," Rashida said, coming downstairs with two evening gowns both of which were formfitting and extravagant, "Which should I wear?"

"Rashida, it's a beach wedding; we don't need to be so formal for this," Roshad smiled.

"Roshad, be serious; this is a wedding," Rashida said. "Now Bastet, gold or silver?" she asked again, lifting the dresses.

"For you, my love, only gold will do," Bastet smiled.

"Gold it is," Rashida said, made a kissy face at Bastet and then returned upstairs.

Roshad and Bastet both wore suites, Rashida wore the gold dress and Ashti wore her Tyrian purple robes. They stopped by the hotel first so Bastet could get everyone checked in and their things to their rooms before making the drive to Forks. The plan was for Bastet and the others to run to the hotel when they were ready to while Roshad would drive himself and Jaedynn back home. They'd already moved her things back into the house with Anatoli's help and Roshad was anxious to finally have Jaedynn and Kamron back home. Their house hadn't felt like a home without them. They arrived just before nightfall and went to the pyre that was being prepared. There was food already prepared and the village was in attendance including the Tistilal kids that had just returned from Arizona. People were starting to surround the pyre on blankets and most were not dressed particularly formally. Kyle led Roshad to the pyre once he'd arrived so he could take a seat and from there, all that was left was for Jaedynn to make her appearance.

The ceremony began right at nightfall when Jaedynn was brought outside by Nathan in her rabbit fur dress. Renesmee was holding Kamron but Ashti quickly requested to take him, already missing her grandson dearly. Once Jaedynn was sitting beside Roshad before the pyre, he took her hand in his and smiled at her. Kyle and Jacob finally started the ceremony with the story of their ancestors and its relation to love and prosperity. The fertility dance was performed after that and finally, Jaedynn and Roshad lit the bonfire to start their marriage and all the guests started dancing. Roshad got Kamron from Ashti so he and Jaedynn could dance with their son as a way to symbolically mark the beginning of them being a family. They'd been one long before, but the wedding made it official. The moment they were able to, Kyle brought Roshad and Jaedynn aside so they could sign their marriage license. It would be ready by the time they returned home, so Jaedynn decided to worry about changing her driver's license and other documents until after. For now, all that mattered was she was finally Jaedynn Rose Javadi. As soon as they could, Jaedynn and Roshad left with Kamron to return home. Once they'd arrived, Roshad carried both Jaedynn and Kamron into the house and up the stairs stopping in Kamron's room so they could put him to bed and then to their room at long last.

"It's so good to finally be home," Jaedynn said.

"It's good to finally have you home," Roshad said and laid her on top of the bed. His hands were already trailing up her leg under the skirt of her little white dress she'd changed into before leaving the tribe. "I've missed you," he continued as he started kissing her neck. "I've missed you in our bed," he gently sucked on her skin, "I've missed waking up every morning with you at my side," he kissed and sucked on her skin again, "My nights have been so cold without you."

"I missed you too," Jaedynn sighed and tilted her head.

By now, Roshad was focused entirely focused on kissing her. He lifted his head from her neck and pressed his lips to hers. She pressed her tongue forward so their mouths would open to deepen the kiss and Roshad's fingers finally made it to her core. Her panties obstructed his touch at first but he grabbed onto them so he could pull her panties off. Jaedynn used her toes to remove her panties the rest of the way and kicked them onto the floor. Then she spread her legs so Roshad could touch her again. His fingers rubbed her clitoris then slipped inside her. She moaned from the touch and moaned all the more when his thumb started to rub her clitoris in time with his fingers' movements. With his other hand, Roshad reached underneath her to grab the zipper of her dress and pull it down. Then he took a hold of the dress's collar and pulled that down as well. Jaedynn removed her arms from the holes of the dress and tilted her back so she could reach behind herself to undo the clasps of her bra and remove that too. Then she started to trail her hands over his chest, feeling for the buttons of his dress shirt that she started to undo.

Jaedynn pushed the shirt aside and started tugging at it to remove the hem from his pants before trailing her hands further down to his belt buckle. The hand that had pulled down her dress was now tenderly massaging her breasts. Jaedynn continued undoing the button and zipper of his dress pants until she could delve her hands in. He was eager for her and the feel of her hands on his erection made his fingers more forceful inside her. She started whimpering when his pace changed and he kept up the pace until he could feel her getting closer and closer to release. He took his lips away so he could kiss his way from shoulder to shoulder, her neck and finally her breasts. He only used his tongue against her nipples but it sparked no less of a reaction from her. The warmth of his tongue swirling around her hardened flesh made her shiver with pleasure and before long, his fingers brought Jaedynn to her peak. Her whole body quivered from her release and she moaned his name as she rode the waves. He kept his fingers inside her massaging her vaginal walls to extend the pleasure while also grabbing a hold of her dress and tugging it upwards. Jaedynn brought her hands up to pull the dress off over her head the rest of the way and tossed it aside. Roshad took that time to pull off his shirt and jacket. Once she was out of her dress, Jaedynn moved forward to the edge of the bed so she could push down the remainder of Roshad's clothes. She started kissing his stomach while her hands trailed over his hips until she grabbed a hold of his erection, but they were interrupted by a cry.

"I'll go feed him," Jaedynn said with an apologetic smile and stood from the bed, "he's been finicky today; I don't think he liked the bottle."

"Babies never care for change in my experience," Roshad smiled back and kissed her. "I'll wait for you."

Jaedynn grabbed a robe that she threw on before going to Kamron's room. She smiled and soothed him as she lifted Kamron from his crib and took a seat in the rocking chair pulling her robe aside. Once Kamron was latched, he stopped crying and started eating looking up at her with his tiny brown eyes. She hummed to him while he was eating and he seemed like he was starting to fall asleep in the middle of it all. Once he stopped, she rubbed and patted his back with him rested on her shoulder to get out the air bubbles before getting Kamron back in his crib to sleep. She stayed a moment just staring down into his crib watching him sleep. His hands and toes twitched and each time they did, Jaedynn couldn't help giggling to herself. Yes, she thought to herself, she wanted another baby. She heard Roshad's footsteps approaching the room when she'd been staring for a few minutes. After entering the room, Roshad stood behind Jaedynn wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck. She trembled when his stubble rubbed over her skin.

"What do you suppose he's dreaming about?" Jaedynn asked when she felt Roshad start to kiss her.

"Happy things I imagine," Roshad said and pressed another kiss to her neck. "Come; let's leave him be."

Roshad guided Jaedynn back to their bedroom staying behind her and once they were alone, she smiled when she overheard him remove the pajama pants he'd thrown on and then she trembled when his hands came to her shoulders and pulled off her robe so she was naked again. Then he wrapped his arms around her lifting one hand up to her chin so he could guide her head to one side. His other hand trailed between her legs and he started to nibble at her ear when his fingers touched her intimately. She moaned and could feel his erection returning to life against her and she trembled with need. She reached behind so she could start stroking his erection until he was at full attention. He started guiding her to the bed, turned her around and then pressed her to lay down on the bed with her hips right off the edge and lifted her legs so he could take a hold of them.

He could already feel the heat radiating from her and the closer his hips came to hers, the more desperate he became, but it had been a while and he wanted to savor it. Once he was pressed against her and she was comfortable, Roshad took a hold of his erection and rubbed up and down her entrance not slipping in right away. She sighed with longing as she felt him move up and down without actually entering her. She used a hand to reach down to rub him and press down until the head was right at her opening encouraging him to come in. Finally, he pressed his hips forward until he was fully sheathed inside her and they both moaned with pleasure. Roshad brought Jaedynn's legs together and had those both rest on his left shoulder so she was tighter around him before finally starting to move. He went slow in case she was still tender, but all she felt was pleasure. He had one arm wrapped around her legs while his other hand gripped her hip to keep her body stationary while he thrust his hips forward while Jaedynn's arms rested above her head.

Since there was no longer the obstruction, Roshad leaned forward pressing her legs against her chest to hit a different angle. He pushed her further onto the bed so he could get his knees onto the mattress for greater range of movement and once he had them in the position he wanted, he started to move again. The new angle offered a new sensation that had Jaedynn gripping the comforter and she could feel herself ascending again. After being in that position for several minutes, Roshad sat up to spread her legs so he could fall forward to be on top of her. Jaedynn wrapped her arms around him while his hands took a hold of her face so he could press his lips to hers for a kiss. His pace became slow and tender again so they could focus more on their kiss. She was just in a state of bliss – his cologne and natural scent filled her nose and excited her, his lips were soft and warm against hers and tasted clean, his strong arms around her and his weight on top of her made her feel secure; she could stay like this forever. Eventually, though, Roshad increased his pace again and took his lips from hers so he could start kissing her neck again. He found a spot on her neck that was especially ticklish and made her stomach contract from laughter and from pleasure.

She moaned his name when his tongue ran over her skin in such a spot that felt better than before and he kept licking and sucking on that spot until she wasn't moaning anymore. He got upright in front of her, grabbed onto her hips and moved harder and faster. Jaedynn had her hands resting on his chest enjoying the crisp feel of his chest hair under her fingers. Using his left hand that now bore a gold band, he took a hold of her right hand and lifted it to his lips to press a kiss to her palm. She trailed her hand over his chin loving the scratchy feel of his stubble. He kissed her palm again then lifted her so he could get on his back and bring her on top of him. Jaedynn immediately took over and started moving her hips over him while her hands planted themselves on his chest for balance. Her head fell back while she moved and Roshad held onto her hips so she would stay upright. Soon she had her head forward again and was able to move with more control. Roshad guided her to move at a faster pace after they'd enjoyed several seconds of moving languid and slow. She kept one hand on his chest while her other hand went between them so she could touch herself. In no time, she reached another orgasm and once she was spent, Jaedynn fell forward so she was in Roshad's arms before he fully took over and guided her hips to bounce up and down on top of him until he finally reached his own climax.

Afterwards, Roshad got the both of them under the covers and kept her cuddled close to him. They fell asleep in each other's arms within minutes and did not wake up until they heard Kamron crying from his bedroom. It wasn't his hungry cry, so Roshad got dressed and went to tend to him so Jaedynn could stay in bed. Once Kamron was clean and in a fresh diaper, the boy was wide away so Roshad brought him with back to their bedroom. Jaedynn turned in their bed as Roshad got back in with her, placing Kamron on the mattress with them. Jaedynn rubbed his little belly and kissed his head.

"How'd you sleep, Kamron?" Jaedynn asked and her only answer was Kamron doing more bicycle kicks and then reaching his arms up and all over while making loud noises. "Glad to see you're so refreshed," Jaedynn giggled and kissed his belly. She moved so she was hovering over him and took a hold of his feet. "Maybe mommy should eat you so it rubs off on me," she said and started nibbling on his toes making Kamron start laughing as he wiggled.

"Since we're up, why don't I make you breakfast?"

"I'd like that," Jaedynn smiled. "What do you say, Kamron? Are you hungry? I know I am." Kamron made little noises and kept wiggling. Roshad smiled and leaned over to give her a kiss.

"I'll be right back," he said then kissed Kamron's head before going downstairs to make breakfast.

It was three wonderful days of uninterrupted bliss of just them and Kamron. They enjoyed the return of just being the three of them with no one watching or hovering over them. They were able to just return to normal: sleeping in the same bed, showing affection towards one another and playing with Kamron on the floor of their living room. After the three days were up, they had their things packed and made the trip to the airport to leave for Tehran. Kamron did not like the flight in the least and neither did the other people that were in first class with them. They had no choice but to let Kamron cry as they were ascending and in the air until he finally adjusted to the pressure change and the feeling of his ears popping was no longer bothering him. They landed in London and they ended up staying the night to allow Kamron a break, but the following day, they got on the next plane and the cycle repeated. Thankfully, by the time the plane was hovering over Iran, Kamron was no longer crying and Jaedynn was able to look out the window onto the view. The first thing she noticed were the mountains with a large city right beside them. They ended up circling Tehran for an hour waiting to land and when they finally did, Roshad carried everything they'd brought on board with them while Jaedynn held Kamron as they exited the plane.

It was busy and bustling with stark white floors, white pillars and a ceiling that looking blue thanks to the lighting. She followed Roshad to an enormous round about that was releasing suitcase after suitcase for claims. Jaedynn stayed at baggage claims so Roshad could retrieve a trolley and he was talking with someone when he returned, but it was all in Farsi. He seemed to be an employee of the airport. Once they had all their luggage, they stepped outside where there were several taxis, but they didn't go to any of those. Instead, there was a limousine at the curb with a man in a suit outside it holding a sign that was all in Farsi.

"There's our car," Roshad said once he spotted the limousine driver and led Jaedynn with him to greet the man.

Roshad spoke with the man briefly before the driver opened the back door for Jaedynn so she could step in. Roshad joined her after getting all their luggage in the trunk of the car. Jaedynn kept her eyes looking out the window eager to see what the city looked like. Once they were on the road and she could see everything, it looked just like any other large metropolis, except she couldn't reach the signs and she could see giant Mosques in the distance as well as mountains that framed all the industrial buildings.

"Welcome to Iran," Roshad whispered in her ear as she stared out the window and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

It took about an hour, but they eventually made it to the other side of the city and they reached a section of the road that curved into a long driveway. The moment they were off the street of the city and on this side road, it was like stepping back in time. The trail was lined with lush grass and bushes and flowers and trees. The limousine curved around and she saw an enormous fountain that had three statues in it that were equidistance from one another. Each statue was of a lion in various poses. She saw the whole fountain once they'd curved around again and were in front of the entrance of the palace. Jaedynn followed Roshad out of the limousine and stared wide eyed at the entrance. It was so intricate with pillars , shaded patio space (at least she couldn't think of anything to call it but the patio) and 2 large wooden doors. The walls that were in the sunlight were clearly painted and detailed. She shuddered to think what had been required to make sure this palace was kept in good condition through the centuries.

"This is the palace?" Jaedynn asked.

"Yes," Roshad smiled and wrapped his arm around her.

"Is it the same as when it was gifted to you?"

"Almost," Roshad said. "The kitchen has been updated drastically over the years and electric lighting has been added, but the rest of the palace is kept in its original condition or as close to its original condition as possible. Especially the rooms my son Ibrahim designed. I'd never allow change to those rooms."

"Your son designed this place?"

"Not all of it, but he designed the mirror room, Bastet's and Rashida's prayer room, Maman's prayer room, the ballroom and his little brothers' rooms."

"You have a mirror room?"

"Yes," Roshad smiled, "Wait until you see it. It's like the whole room is covered in diamonds, but it's really mirrors."

The driver got Roshad's attention for a moment after he'd removed all their bags from the trunk and Roshad directed him to get all the bags inside. The front double doors opened and three people came out to help with the luggage and bring them inside. She could hear Rashida giving direction as Jaedynn and Roshad approached. Once they were under the shade, Rashida smiled and approached.

"Welcome, welcome, Jaedynn," Rashida said and gave Jaedynn a kiss on each cheek. "Welcome to Tehran, habibi. It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you, Rashida," Jaedynn smiled. "This place is breathtaking."

"Oh, this old thing? It's been in the family for years," she joked. "I will ensure everything is brought to yours and Roshad's room. I'll trust Roshad to give you the tour. Oh, Roshad, we have the nursery prepared for Kamron.."

"Good, thank you," Roshad said. "Can you take Kamron? He's had a rough trip and I'll wager he'd rather just be in bed right now."

"Of course," Rashida smiled and Jaedynn handed Kamron over.

Rashida returned to directing the staff while Roshad led Jaedynn away from the entrance and to another room. They walked down a long hallway lined with tile and marble pillars. There was a wall the rose halfway up with the pillars acting as support and she was able to look out on both sides of the hallway looking onto a forested area where they'd entered from and a giant open garden on the other side to her right. There was greenery of all kinds and stone walkways surrounding it. They reached an enormous room that she assumed must be the ball room. There was plenty of space with stained glass windows and a giant chandelier in the center of the ceiling. When she looked up at the ceiling, she realized it was covered in murals depicting stories from the bible. Or technically the Quran. She saw a mural of David and Goliath, of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, of Moses and his family exiting the arc after the flood with hundreds of animals behind him and King Solomon ordering an infant be cut in half while one woman did not react and another cried begging her son be spared, proving her to be the boy's real mother. At the back of the ball room on a large wall was the Iranian flag. It was green, white and red with a lion in the center holding a sword and a sun on its back. The floors were a warm sienna colored marble with darker brown designs swirling around. The walls were the same sienna tan but were bare of a design allowing for the stained glass windows to take center stage.

"Do you even use this room?" Jaedynn asked.

"When I entertain I do," Roshad said. "My three youngest sons and Miriam were married in this room. I only hosted one other wedding here back in '36 but never again. Hosting my children's weddings was one thing. Hosting a stranger's wedding is another matter entirely."

"I bet," Jaedynn said. "Were the receptions in the garden?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "I'll show you that next. You'll love it; it's extremely relaxing."

"I could tell just from the hallway," Jaedynn smiled and followed Roshad out of the ballroom back to the open hallway and out onto the garden.

The ground was lined with stone walkways that took them all over the garden. There was a pomegranate tree, some lemon, lime and date trees, there were flowers of every color of the rainbow including crocus flowers and there were statues all over. One of those statues was among a bush of white lilies. It was a white marble statue of a woman. She wore a long sleeved gown that synched at the waist and flowed out. Her legs poked out from under the dress but were covered in pants that were intricately detailed and dainty feet with lovely shoes. She was sitting on the ground among the lilies with her left hand in her lap and her other hand lifted in front of her with a bird on her finger.

"That's Fatimeh," Roshad said, "a statue her grandfather included in this garden."

"She's beautiful," Jaedynn said.

"She is," Roshad agreed. "She was Abbas's favorite granddaughter. He may have been cruel to an extent – with his sons especially – but Fatimeh he always had a soft spot in his heart for. Whenever his majesty or her father would visit and they wanted to come out here, they would say they're stepping outside to Fatimeh's garden. My sons always called this Madar's Garden as well."

"Is she the only one you have a statue of?"

"I have one of Miriam as well," Roshad said. "Fatimeh's statue was a gift from her family but Miriam's statue I petitioned in a fit of grief. It's much, much more detailed as well. Her statue is in the mirror room. It became my daughter's favorite place to study because she felt like her mother was watching over her."

"I can understand that," Jaedynn said. "So the fruits you have growing in this garden; do you ever sell them or are they only for guests?"

"Only for guests," Roshad said and walked over to one of the date trees. He grabbed a long pole with a basket at the end that he lifted to the top of the tree towards the fruit. He shimmied the basket to get the dates in and pulled down, bringing several dates into the basket off the tree. He lowered the pole so he could grab one of the fruits and handed it over to Jaedynn. "Mind the pit," he said as she put the fruit in her mouth. It was so sugary sweet and rich in taste – like eating a piece of candy.

"It's delicious," Jaedynn said. "Can we sit under the tree for a bit and I'll finish these?"

"Sure," Roshad said. "Did you want me to grab you anything else?"

"Can I have a pomegranate?"

"Absolutely," Roshad said and he walked back towards the pomegranate trees so he could get one and when he returned, it was with a pomegranate the size of her head.

They sat together under the tree while she ate the dates and pomegranate. While she ate, she asked him more about the palace, what his favorite room was, did he ever open it for tours – the answer to that being no – and anything else that came to mind. It took her an hour to get through all the fruit and she helped carry the refuse inside to have it tossed. Since they had discarded skins and pits, he led her to the kitchen so she could throw everything out. There was no one in the kitchen but it was enormous. There were modern appliances incorporated into the original structure and there was a giant open oven that Roshad explained was used to make breads at an intense heat. She washed her hands before they left the kitchen to see the rest of the palace. Near the kitchen was a giant dining room with a long table lined with white table cloth and a red runner. There was one spot towards the head of the table that had a bowl, plate and silverware laid out that she assumed was intended for her. The room was filled with artifacts that Roshad explained the origins of be they gifts or any myriad of other things. The dining room had a view of the garden as well.

After the dining room, Roshad led Jaedynn to a drawing room that was also filled with artifacts from all over the world and two sofas that looked too pretty to sit in. When they left the drawing room, Roshad led her to the infamous mirror room he'd told her about and when she stepped in, it was like something out of a fantasy. It really did have the illusion of being covered in diamonds and there was one window that overlooked the garden. The walls had a three dimensional design with elevations and recessions to create ornate designs, but the only material used was varying sizes of mirror. The sunlight made it possible to brighten the room without any electricity. The only manmade light available appeared to be lanterns. It was much larger than the drawing room with a blue and white Persian rug in the center. It had nothing in it save for that rug, some chairs and, of course, a statue. Indeed it was far more intricate than the one of Fatimeh. For one, it was fully painted without so much as a chip.

The face and hair were carved immaculately from marble. Her skin was painted an olive tone, her brows and hair was painted a deep dark brown as were her eyes. In her hair were lines of pearls and some pearl earrings with a matching necklace. The rest of the marble was carved into clothing that, even in marble, looked airy and full of life. There seemed to be a billowy satin undergarment that was painted in such a way that it was clearly intended to be sheer. Over that was a bright green long sleeve coat with a pink floral pattern and she wore yellow pants and gold shoes. There was a broach on her hip painted to show gold and pearls. She was actually posed in a way that made her think of the Virgin Mary making her seem like a deity. It really was like looking at a visage of a goddess. When comparing the marble statue of Fatimeh to this statue of Miriam, it was clear to her who'd held more of his heart in their lifetime.

"That's Miriam?" Jaedynn asked in a muted tone despite already knowing the answer.

"Yes," Roshad said. Jaedynn went closer to the statue to get a better look.

"You said she died in childbirth, right?"

"Yes, she died giving birth to our daughter," Roshad answered, sadness audible in his voice.

"She must have been wonderful," Jaedynn said.

"She was the first woman I married only for love," Roshad said. "I tried biting her when I lost her."

"You did?"

"Yes," Roshad answered. "When she'd gone into labor, I was with her until the midwives demanded I leave because she was having complications. Listening to her scream from the hallway remains one of the greatest regrets of my life. Miriam demanded my return just before she died. She told me she loved me and breathed her last breath right before our daughter was born. I tried to bite her desperate to bring her back but it didn't work – it was too late. The midwives saved our daughter and within hours of her birth, I was traveling back to Baghdad to give Miriam a proper burial while a nursemaid cared for my daughter. It was one of the darkest times of my life, but my daughter helped me cope."

"I'm so sorry," Jaedynn said. The sun coming in through the window was hitting the statue casting a shadow and it quite literally covered Jaedynn as she looked upon it. She felt overshadowed and was literally overshadowed. "Do you still miss her?"

"I never stopped loving her," Roshad answered honestly. "When she died, I did not want to love again and when I'd lost all my children to old age, I said I would never put myself through that again. I was miserable, but I told myself it was better to suffer alone."

"What made you change your mind?" Jaedynn asked. Roshad took a hold of Jaedynn's shoulders and guided her to turn so she was looking at him again.

"A pure white cow showed me through the streets of New York until I saw you and for the first time in centuries, I felt love. I saw you out on the patio of the Chalus Palace surrounded by pomegranates, almonds and crocus flowers; the vision brought me to my knees. I knew I had to look for you no matter how rash or sudden the decision was and I haven't regretted it."

Jaedynn smiled, "I haven't regretted it either." Roshad smiled back and took Jaedynn in his arms to give her a hug. They stayed like that for several seconds in each other's arms before Roshad finally broke the silence.

"Come," he said, "I'll show you the rest of the palace."

Roshad led Jaedynn out of the mirror room and down the hall to the library next. It had books from floor to ceiling and when she was browsing, she noticed they appeared to be in several languages. Roshad explained they were all organized by author's last name just as would be the case in any library or bookstore, but that meant books in Farsi, books in Arabic, in Punjabi or Tamil or any myriad of other languages were all intermingled. There were even rows of shelves that were reserved for scrolls which had their own system of organization, but all the scrolls were so old she was scared to touch them. Roshad pulled one out to show her and when she saw they were in Egyptian hieroglyphs, she was all the more relieved she'd left them alone. She was surprised when she found some books in English, but those were sparse. There was a copy of The Great Gatsby which Roshad had explained had been a gift and there was a copy of The Canterbury Tales which, as Roshad said, he'd tried to read but at the time could not get through because his grasp of modern English was already very new and trying to get through The Canterbury Tales was not a challenge he could undertake.

"Have you tried reading it again since?" Jaedynn asked as she pulled out the book.

"No, I can't say I have," Roshad said. "Did you ever read it?"

"We read a few excerpts when I was in school," Jaedynn said. "Grandpa Edward always had us read his favorite stories from the book and it was a challenge getting through even with his help. Some of it is translated from the Old English to Modern English, but it still uses archaic words and out of date spelling. Grandpa actually showed us grandkids a copy of the book in its unaltered Old English and it was completely unintelligible."

"Yes, I gathered that," Roshad said. "Did you have a story you liked?"

"I barely remember any of them if I'm honest," Jaedynn said. "Much like Hard Times, I purged it from my brain after the test was done."

Roshad chuckled, "You did not care for Dickens?"

"No, not in the slightest," Jaedynn said and put the book back in its place. She turned around and noticed the double doors on the other end of the library. "Where does that go?"

"The prayer room," Roshad said and approached the doors. He opened them to reveal a surprisingly small space. She'd gotten so used to the rooms all being larger than life that this tiny room was a huge surprise. It was practical. All marble tile in a very pale tan color and an archway that looked like it had script written along it and a copy of the Qur'an. There was a Persian rug right before the book.

"It's smaller than I thought," Jaedynn said.

"It's just as maman prefers it," Roshad said. "It's large enough that when Fatimeh was alive and we prayed, all of us could fit in here. I haven't prayed since after my daughter married and left to live with her husband."

"So only Ashti uses this room?"

"Yes," Roshad said.

"You said Bastet and Rashida had a prayer room, right?"

"On the other side of the palace, yes," Roshad said and closed the doors. "Maman already detests there being a pagan prayer room in the palace but she respects Bastet and Rashida enough to allow them their ancient rituals so long as it's far away from her prayer room."

"Would they mind if I saw it?"

"Not at all," Roshad said and led Jaedynn to the other side of the palace.

He pointed out other rooms as they went including his office, but he promised they'd return to that. Once they'd made it to another pair of double doors, Roshad opened them and what was inside was completely different from any other room she'd seen. This room was alabaster stone with blue paint in thin lines on the pillars that were in the room. At the end of the room was an empty altar with a gold table. There were lanterns in the room for when it was nighttime and to her right and left were walls filled to the brim with tiny gold statues of numerous different gods from floor to ceiling. There were no windows in the room. Instead there was a skylight and directly underneath that was a shallow pool that, at the moment, was dry. It was lined with tile artwork that seemed to tell a story. The artwork was in the style of artwork seen in the tombs of pharaohs and went in a circle. The first image was of a woman harvesting wheat in the fields, the second was of a man engaged in battle, the next two depicted those same people being attacked by another person depicted to have red eyes and the final image was of those two people sitting together on a balcony overlooking a bustling ancient city. They both sat in lounge-like chairs and held gold wine glasses and their eyes, unlike in all the other images, were scarlet red.

"Is this a mosaic of how Bastet and Rashida met?"

"It's their story," Roshad said. "When she was human, Rashida was a farm girl and Bastet was a soldier. They were changed decades apart, but they met after Bastet was changed and they fell in love. They've been together ever since."

"That's a long time to be married," Jaedynn said. "So do they really pray to all these gods?"

"It's situational," Roshad said. "When Bastet prayed for us to meet, he'd prayed to Hathor." Roshad searched through the rows of gold idols until he finally found a gold cow that he picked up and showed to Jaedynn.

"So do they perform sacrifices?"

"Yes, they do," Roshad said. "It's part of proper prayer, but what they sacrifice is dependent on the god and what they're praying for. Not every god wants a lamb or dove."

"Do they pray every midday like Ashti does?"

"No; it's far more infrequent," Roshad said and then put the visage of Hathor back in its place. "This room wasn't added until after Miriam died. Maman, Bastet and Rashida came to live with me to help. Miriam, my daughter I mean, had a nanny of course but it takes a village to raise a child as they say. I added this room for Bastet and Rashida's purposes after that."

"Did Miriam or your other children ever come in here?"

"Ibrahim was the one that designed this artwork," Roshad smiled, pointing his foot at the tile mosaic. "Miriam would come in here if she wanted to hide from her nannies. They weren't allowed in here so it was a perfect hiding place. Miriam was fascinated with ancient Egypt and she would make Bastet and Rashida tell her about their lives and what it was like. She even spoke the language if you can believe it."

"Did she really?"

"Oh, yes," Roshad said, the pride beaming from his face. "Miriam was very smart. If she wanted to 'keep something from me' she'd talk to Bastet or Rashida in their mother tongue. Unbeknownst to her, they always told me what she told them, but only if it was a matter of concern. Thankfully, she would usually come to me if she needed help. She was diligent, she was studious, her tutors adored her; but her passion was history and the arts. When Ibrahim was alive, she'd beg to visit him so she could watch him do his artwork. Ibrahim made his money with tiles and painting and Miriam would watch him work."

"She sounds like a sweet little girl," Jaedynn smiled.

"She was a sweet little girl and became a wonderful young woman," Roshad said. "When she married, I told her husband to remember how privileged he was to marry her."

"I'm sure you had him shaking in his boots," Jaedynn said.

"He was a good man," Roshad chuckled. "I'd have never permitted the union if he weren't. They had many children together and had a happy marriage."

"That's good to hear," Jaedynn said. "It must be nice to have the benefit of having older brothers and being an only child all at once."

Roshad laughed, "Being an 'only child' had its drawbacks I assure you: fewer children to worry about means less oversight."

"So despite being the baby, she couldn't get away with anything? What's the point even?" Jaedynn smiled.

"I thought Gabriel was the youngest."

"He is, but I'm the youngest girl which is better," Jaedynn said.

"Well, Miriam was also the only girl," Roshad said. "Come to my office and I'll tell you a funny story."

"Sure," Jaedynn giggled and they left the prayer room and made their way to Roshad's office.

"So for the better part of 70 years, maman had only had grandsons. When Miriam came along, she was over the moon."

"I bet she was," Jaedynn said.

"Sadly, she'd become so used to raising boys that when a girl finally came along, she wasn't as prepared and there are some things about being human that she forgot about or just didn't think about. Having said that, maman had taken Miriam out shopping one day. I think Miriam was about 14 at the time. As they're shopping, maman realized she smelled blood, but it wasn't…usual blood. She realized what it was, realized it was Miriam and had a meltdown."

"So she had her period in the marketplace?"

"Yes, that," Roshad said, "it was the first time. So doctrine guides that woman are to wear the hijab when they…become a woman. Prior to this, Miriam didn't wear a hijab and since she was still a child it wasn't an issue. However, when maman realized what was happening, she grabbed Miriam by the arm and dragged her through the bazaar until she found a silk vendor and told Miriam to pick a hijab. Now, Miriam doesn't know what's wrong, the vendor certainly doesn't know what's going on and here he is watching this woman having a panic attack and calling every man in the Bazaar that was staring a pervert and not to stare at her granddaughter. She finally picked one and maman put it on her – when Miriam returned home, the poor thing was in tears and ran up to me crying about what happened and I don't know what she's crying about. All I know is maman was apparently mean. The nanny comes to see what's going on and when Miriam relayed the story, the nanny took her to another room to 'talk'. I was not permitted to be present and all this time I don't know what the problem is. The nanny finally explained what happened and…..I wasn't expecting it; let's just put it that way."

"So she gets her period, Ashti flips out and makes her pick a hijab, Miriam comes crying to you and the nanny pulled her aside to have 'the talk'?"

"To put it briefly, yes," Roshad said.

"That sounds like something Ashti might do," Jaedynn said. "So moral of the story: when we have a daughter of our own, she wears a hijab when grandma's visiting?"

"Yes, exactly," Roshad said.

"Dually noted," Jaedynn replied.

"I confided in my son Abbas about it when it happened. He'd had several daughters so he knew how all this went, but he just laughed at me. To quote my son, 'A father's worst nightmare is a young man's dream come true'. I swatted him over the head for that one."

"I would too," Jaedynn said. "Now that I think about it, the statues of Fatimeh and Miriam didn't have a hijab."

"The times were much more lenient as was the fashion," Roshad said. "All the women I married were Muslim, but the laws of Islam were not strictly enforced. That's always up to the family to instill and I never insisted upon it. Aida was the only one that always wore a scarf or hijab in some fashion unless we were alone in our bedroom. Fatimeh and Miriam, on the other hand, preferred to not wear one and the 'shortcoming' was taken up with me since I'm their husband and therefore responsible."

"I see," Jaedynn said.

They made it to Roshad's office and he opened the door so they could enter. Like most of the rooms in the palace, it had a view of the garden but the vocal points were the rows of portraits on the wall. They were just as he'd described: a woman's portrait was at the top of each row and underneath were portraits of mostly men. The first woman she was left to assume was Aida and indeed she was very modest. In the portrait, she was young and wore a Tyrian purple gown with a matching head cover. Her neck was visible but her neckline was high, her sleeves long and her pose regal. She was seated and in her lap was a pure white cat and she held a crocus flower in her hand. Beneath that were six more portraits of Amir, then Ishmael, Aladdin, Rasheed, Mohammad and, finally, Ibrahim. All the men looked so much like Roshad with varying degrees of facial hair but no matter the length or style, it was all well-groomed. Like father like son she thought to herself. Though Ibrahim, from what she could see, favored his mother in features the most out of any of the sons. With the exception of Ishmael, all the men wore extravagant clothes of rich colors. Ishmael on the other hand was in a decorated military uniform.

Then there was Fatimeh. Her statue had been lovely, but her picture was what truly did her justice. Her hair was dark brown, her skin a paler olive tone and she had a beautiful face. Out of the three pictures of the wives, hers was certainly the most expensive looking. She wore heavy gold earrings adorned with rubies and pearls, a matching gold necklace that took up most of her chest, rings also adorned with large jewels and her dress was white.

"Is Fatimeh wearing her wedding dress?"

"Yes, she is," Roshad said. "Each portrait was commissioned shortly after our weddings. Fatimeh wanted to be in her wedding attire. She said it was how a princess should dress."

"I see her point," Jaedynn said.

Beneath Fatimeh were three more portraits of Kaseem, Omar and then finally Abbas. Much like the others, she could see Roshad in each of them. They had his nose or his eyes and most of them had shorter facial hair making the resemblance all the more striking. Lastly was the portrait of Miriam. She was more beautiful, in Jaedynn's opinion, in the portrait than in her statue. The statue made her look saintly and ethereal – traits Jaedynn was rather sure did not accurately portray her. In the portrait, she was smiling and her eyes sparkled. She looked like a bride and even wore white although she did not wear nearly as much jewelry. Below her portrait was yet another woman: Miriam Jr. Even if Roshad had not explained how he had these portraits set up, she'd know that was his daughter. She looked just like him, but she had her mother's dark brown hair. She also wore Ashti's Tyrian purple gown and a loose fitting hijab that covered most of her hair.

"Your daughter looks so much like you," Jaedynn said and a loving, reminiscent smile played across Roshad's face. "Was that portrait from her wedding?"

"No, that portrait was commissioned after her twentieth birthday," Roshad said. "That's when I'd allowed for potential suitors to plead their case."

"You said she married a sailor?"

"A ship merchant," Roshad said. "He was younger than her but Miriam didn't mind. When he passed away, she came back home to live with me. My grandson had asked she live with him, but she insisted she didn't want to impose on him and his family, but really she just wanted to come home. My eldest grandson by her was the only one among the grandchildren to see me after I'd supposedly died."

"What was his name?"

"Alam, after his father," Roshad said. "Her second son she named after me and her third son she named Ibrahim after her brother."

"Was there a reason you stayed close with Alam instead of your other grandchildren?"

"It wasn't that I'd stayed close. He had seen me wandering the palace when he came to see his mother. He'd followed me to my office sure he'd seen my ghost. I told him the truth after that but told him it was our secret."

"Did he keep it a secret?" Jaedynn asked.

"He did," Roshad said, "but he came to visit a lot more often. Or as often as he could with the travel. He inherited a percentage of his father's business and ran Miriam's father's business with his younger brother Abdul."

"Would it be silly to ask if you know who you're related to today?"

"Not silly," Roshad smiled, "but a tall order. After my grandchildren passed away, I lost contact. I kept an eye on Alam and Abdul to make sure nothing happened to the pottery business but everything went well. Abdul left it to his son, then to his grandson, great grandson and great, great grandson until it was sold back in 1910 to an Englishman that thought he could run a business in Baghdad. Sadly, it was an ill endeavor, but my extended grandson walked away with a nice chunk of money. He even retired to America I think. I've not seen or heard of him since I'm afraid."

"How many children did Miriam have?"

"Eight," Roshad said. "Three sons and the rest were daughters. Most of them married Persians, but one of my granddaughters met a Scotsman, they fell in love and she married him and moved to Glasgow with him – she even became Catholic which maman was not the least bit pleased over, but I calmed her down. I checked in on her as much as I could for Miriam's peace of mind. Thankfully he was a good man and he took care of her. They had several children of their own and stayed in Glasgow until their deaths."

"With all that, I guess it would be virtually impossible to keep track of everyone," Jaedynn said. "Especially if you can't really keep in touch with everyone."

"Exactly," Roshad said.

"Do you have portraits of your grandchildren?"

"I'm afraid not; only my wives and my children," Roshad said.

"Will you want one of me?" Jaedynn asked.

"I would like one," Roshad smiled and took her hand to plant a kiss there. "Thanks to modern technology, I plan to have several." Outside the office, they heard footsteps approach and by the time they turned, Rashida was already in the doorway. Her wig was off which took Jaedynn by surprise. Rashida's natural hair was extremely short: really only a layer of fuzz on her head like a buzz cut that was left alone for several weeks. Yet even that she wore with exceptional beauty.

"That little boy of yours loves to tug on hair," Rashida said with a smile. "Pulled my wig right off; such a strong young man. Anyway, he's crying and Ashti says it's because he's hungry."

"I guess now's as good a time as any to show you to our room," Roshad smiled and they left his office going to a set of large stairs and he led her down the halls.

Portions of the hallway were closed off but most of them were open with little railings allowing to look out onto the garden. It was clear when this palace was built that the garden was designed to be the centerpiece. Knowing it was Fatimeh's father that had it built and her statue was in the garden, Jaedynn didn't wonder why. There were several rooms that Roshad indicated to her but then they finally arrived to hers and Roshad's room. She barely took notice of it at first; she heard Kamron crying and ran where she heard the sound going to a little nursery that was in the room. It had its own set of doors to close it off as if it were a closet, but it was much, much larger than a closet. All the baby furniture appeared completely original with dark wood and intricate designs that, much like everything else she'd seen, was maintained to like new condition. Ashti was sitting in a little chair in one corner holding Kamron and she handed Kamron over to Jaedynn once she'd entered and got up from the seat so Jaedynn could sit. Jaedynn undid the buttons of her blouse and pulled everything aside so Kamron could latch on.

"How do you like it here?" Ashti asked.

"It's beautiful," Jaedynn answered. "Especially the garden. Roshad tells me your grandson Ibrahim was responsible for a lot of the design work in this palace."

"Yes, indeed he was," Ashti answered. "Very talented; no one so gifted as him."

"I got to see all their portraits. They looked so much like Roshad."

"Yes, very beautiful children," Ashti agreed in her limited English and thick accent. Then she said something to Roshad in Farsi that had the man smirking humorously as he replied to her. Jaedynn focused on Kamron while they continued their conversation and once Kamron was full, he pulled his head away and whimpered a little from some discomfort in his belly. Jaedynn got a towel on her should and patted Kamron's back until he was feeling better. "He is okay?" Ashti asked Jaedynn suddenly.

"Yeah, he's better now."

"Okay; I take him," she said and came to take Kamron. She wandered out of the room singing to Kamron and she could overhear Kamron getting sleepy already.

"At this rate she'll have me feeling like a nurse maid," Jaedynn said.

"Please forgive maman," Roshad said. "It's been so long since she's had a grandchild and she's excited."

"Hey, so long as she sees him as her grandson, I'll take it," Jaedynn said and get her clothes readjusted as she took another look around the room. "It's so pretty in here."

"It's a great relief. I've had this room closed off for years," Roshad said.

"Does it feel nice to see it used again?"

"It feels wonderful," Roshad smiled and took Jaedynn's hand lifting her to her feet.

He led her out to the master bedroom so Jaedynn could finally actually look at it and it was like something out of a fairy tale. The entire home had felt that way. It was this enormous space that was larger than their entire first floor of their house back home. The bed was dead center of the room and was a full circle with seemingly no frame or very little frame. It allowed for the whole room to be visible but the pillows were on the side of the bed that made it so it was looking out the balcony. There were a few chairs and a couch to one side all of which looked old worldly. The floors were the same smooth tile as the rest of the house with brightly colored rugs in strategic places and there were potted plants on the balcony. She walked out to the balcony but couldn't remember seeing it from the garden. When she looked out, she realized why: the fruit trees were gathered together to make it hard to see in some spots. The aerial view of the garden made it look like a well kempt jungle and she imagined how nice it would be to wake up to this every morning.

"I can picture having a giant cup of coffee while I sit out here," Jaedynn said and took a seat at one of the chairs on the balcony. The sun was kept out of her face making it that much more relaxing.

"I'm afraid we don't have coffee, but we have tea."

"I'll take some gold milk tea with this view any day," Jaedynn said. "This is my favorite room; it's official."

Roshad chuckled, "Yes it's a favorite to everyone that sees it." He came a little closer and leaned against the sturdy marble railing. "So my sons used to play in the garden and they'd always play right there where you see that cluster off trees. Now they thought we couldn't see them, but we could. Fatimeh would watch the boys from this spot on the balcony while she did her needle work or was reading. She had a handmaiden that had been by her side since she was a girl and she acted as the eyes in the back of Fatimeh's head as we used to say. So if the boys were misbehaving and Fatimeh had her head down, her handmaiden would inform her and Fatimeh would yell at the boys from here. The guards were always nearby to keep an eye on things, but Fatimeh preferred to look after them, especially when they were young. She calmed as they got older and when they had tutors."

"I can't say I blame her," Jaedynn said. "You said Fatimeh had been the one that forced the servants to rearrange whole rooms when she was pregnant right?"

"Yes, she did," Roshad smiled. "The setup of this room is actually still from when she'd been pregnant with Abbas. After he was born and the fog cleared, she decided this was how the room needs to stay and it's been that way ever since."

"She sounds rather high maintenance."

"She was a princess – it's to be expected," Roshad said. "Her father saw her spoiled, but she was a good woman and a loving mother."

"That's what counts," Jaedynn said. "So will we ever get Kamron back?"

"When he's hungry again, maman will return him," Roshad chuckled. "Rest assured we will never hurt for child care."

"Good to know," Jaedynn smiled. "Is Ashti staying here the whole time?"

"She will be here the next few days and then return to Chalus with Rashida and Bastet when they leave. I'm afraid we will need to be on our best behavior until then."

"Bummer," Jaedynn said with a light giggle. "I bet it's really nice making love with this kind of view."

"Jaedynn, if you're paying the view any attention then I've not satisfied you," Roshad said and leaned over to plant a kiss to her lips as she giggled in response.

Since, with the exception of feeding him, Ashti kept watch over Kamron all day, it allowed Jaedynn and Roshad to relax a little. They went back to the kitchen so Roshad could make dinner and showed her how the bread oven worked. She watched, mesmerized, as Roshad slapped thin dough into the oven with just his hand despite the heat being well into the four or five hundreds. Some of the food would be given to the people on staff so she didn't fear it all going to waste. When dinner was finally ready, they went to the dining room together so Jaedynn could enjoy her food and Ashti joined them with Kamron.

"Jaedynn," Ashti said just as Jaedynn was about to take another bite of her bread, "you and Roshad; when you give me grandchildren?" She was quiet a moment having not expected that question nor receiving it in such a blunt tone. Roshad said something in Farsi to Ashti replied before turning her head to face Jaedynn again waiting for an answer.

"Um," she finally started, "I mean…we only just had Kamron."

"Yes, yes, Kamron wonderful boy; a very good start. When you give me more grandchildren?" Jaedynn wasn't sure if it was her tone or the complete sincerity with her question, but for some reason or another it struck Jaedynn as funny and she started to giggle. Clearly, Ashti did not get the joke and looked right at Roshad saying something. Roshad was chuckling a little now and tried explaining, but once again, Ashti didn't get the joke. She started in Farsi then in English said, "What is so unreasonable? I deserve grandchild; is nothing wrong with asking."

"Ashti," Jaedynn said after she wasn't laughing anymore and Ashti closed her eyes before directing her head to be in Jaedynn's direction, "I promise we will give you another grandchild as soon as possible."

"Thank you," she said then turned her head to Roshad again and opened her eyes, "see, this is attitude I want! Productivity!" Now Jaedynn couldn't help laughing again and, as before, Ashti didn't understand what was so funny. "What is funny?"

"Nothing, maman," Roshad began then finished his thought in Farsi.

The two of them seemed to bicker a little and it gave Jaedynn a chance to make herself stop laughing. She got back to her stew and bread as Roshad and Ashti continued to talk. When they'd finished dinner, Roshad and Jaedynn went back outside to the garden to relax. They were only interrupted once when Ashti came outside with a crying Kamron who was hungry again. Jaedynn was about to feed him in the garden but was scolded by Ashti and led back to hers and Roshad's bedroom to the nursery so she could feed Kamron in a private setting. Roshad asked Ashti to allow them to tuck Kamron in for the night and she finally left their room.

"So did Ashti do that to Aida, Fatimeh or Miriam?"

"What? Ask for more grandchildren?" Jaedynn nodded. "Oh, yes, of course. There are a number of other reasons but it's partially why she liked Aida so much. Aside from being a more devout Muslim like her, Aida also gave Ashti several grandchildren. After we'd had our first two sons, the question was 'When are you giving me a granddaughter?'"

"When we have another child, do you think we'll have a girl?"

"I don't know; I fear my track record thus far has been 9 to 1 for boys," Roshad smiled. "Until Miriam was born, maman feared I was not capable of having girls."

"Well, you proved her wrong," Jaedynn smiled.

She looked down at Kamron, who was focused intently on the task at hand, but she knew the moment he was full, he'd be ready to go right back to sleep. Eventually Kamron reached his milk drunk stupor where he needed to be burped but was almost too tired to really cry. Jaedynn got him on her shoulder to pat and rub his back until he was comfortable then finally put him back in his crib. Kamron's eyes were closed once he was on his back and he was completely still save for his light breathing and some twitching in his foot.

"I feel like I haven't seen him all day," Jaedynn said.

"You haven't for the most part. Maman has been hogging him," Roshad smiled.

"I'm surprised she wants more grandkids. Kamron seems to be keeping her busy just fine," Jaedynn said.

"She will always want more grandchildren," Roshad said.

"If the matter's so urgent, she may want to give us some privacy," Jaedynn said with a humored smile.

"I actually said that to her," Roshad answered, his smile slightly guilty.

"Wait, you did?" Roshad nodded. "What did she say?"

"She said I could learn to exercise some patience and decency," Roshad answered and Jaedynn giggled.

"I'll just keep quiet on that one," Jaedynn said. "So what's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

"I had planned to go into the office tomorrow," Roshad said. "I haven't been there in nearly a year and I should stop in to check on things. Even when I'm in Chalus for the summer, my Management staff can usually get a hold of me rather easily, so this past year much have been quite an experience for them."

"I'm sure they've missed you," Jaedynn said. "Will they be surprised to find out you got married?'

"Extremely," Roshad answered and gave her a kiss.

They went to bed together staying awake for a few hours talking and planning for the next day. Kamron woke at one point with a dirty diaper so Jaedynn attended to him and brought him back to bed with Roshad so they could all cuddle. Kamron was in a cuddling mood. Jaedynn wound up falling asleep with Kamron on his back between her and Roshad. She woke the next morning to the sound of Kamron whimpering, but it wasn't beside her. She opened her eyes as Roshad was approaching the bed with Kamron in arm.

"He's hungry?"

"Yes," Roshad said as Jaedynn sat up in bed. "He's been cleaned; now he wants breakfast."

"It is the most important meal of the day," Jaedynn said and took Kamron, pulling her nightshirt up to feed him. He latched and put his full attention on his milk as Roshad sat on the edge of the bed beside them.

"How did you sleep?"

"Very well," Jaedynn said. "My side of the bed feels like new."

Roshad smiled, "Good to hear."

"So was this mattress custom made? Or is this the original mattress?"

"No, no, this mattress is less than two years old," Roshad said, "and yes it was custom made. I always preferred rounded beds in a room like this so I reached out to a company, made my specifications clear and it was tailor made and delivered."

"I'll bet they loved filling that order," Jaedynn said.

"They made a good profit off it," Roshad smiled and brought a hand to Kamron's face to run his finger back and forth over his cheek.

"We brought his bath right?" Jaedynn asked.

"Yes; it's already in the bathroom," Roshad said.

"We'll give him a bath before we leave today," Jaedynn said. "He should look nice for his first day of work."

Soon, Kamron was finished and Jaedynn placed him on her shoulder to pat his back and get rid of the little air bubbles in his belly. While she did that, Roshad got some hot water in the tub. He didn't add any scents to the water since Kamron was going to join them and once the water was ready, Roshad got Jaedynn so they could relax. The bathroom was really the only thing in the palace aside from the kitchen that didn't look like it's original structure. The tiles and mirrors were all the same according to Roshad, but the enormous tub, the shower, the sinks were all replaced over the years. The tub was large enough for the three of them to fit comfortably and at first they just soaked and relaxed. Jaedynn gently cleaned Kamron with his baby soap and he was wide awake, splashing the water with his tiny hands. Roshad stayed close to make sure Kamron didn't wiggle his way out of Jaedynn's arms.

"What time should we be at the office?"

"The managers get there by eight so we have another hour," Roshad said, "but shipping and receiving are open by five."

"So the saffron gets harvested, brought to Tehran for distribution and then shipped?"

"Most distribution is done from the plant in Shiraz but some of the product is brought to Iran for local customers," Roshad said. "Friday after the office closes all my employees are invited to come here for dinner. A bit of an engagement and welcome home party of sorts."

"Will they be able to come with such short notice?"

"Bastet took care of it; the invitation was spread around the office last week."

"Oh, okay good," Jaedynn said. "You say 'welcome home' party."

"Yes," Roshad said, "I haven't been home in a long time. Worry not; we'll return to Washington end of September like we discussed."

"Okay," Jaedynn said. "How often do you think you'll have to come back to Tehran?"

"At least twice a year," Roshad answered. "Bastet can run things in my stead for the most part but I still need to be present. I may need to return more often depending what's going on. You don't have to join me every time of course, but I would like to bring you and our children at least once a year, especially when they're older."

"I understand," Jaedynn said. "You becoming an American citizen won't be a problem will it?"

"Not at all," Roshad said. "Iranian citizen or American citizen, this is my business."

"True," Jaedynn said. "Will Ashti be joining us at the office?"

"No," Roshad said with a reassuring smile.

After finally getting out of the tub and dried off, Jaedynn made sure Kamron was dressed in one of his nicer onesies, she dressed in her favorite knee length pink a line dress that was sleeveless and Roshad dressed in a suit and tie. Jaedynn was able to get some leftover bread and fruit for breakfast before Roshad went to get a car so they could leave. The office was on the other side of the city and took a while to get to but once they finally arrived, Roshad took one of the front parking spots that seemed to be reserved for him and there was a loading area nearby that had a few small trucks parked there with drivers and other employees. There was a door that was near that loading bay but they went through the front door that was glass double doors with Farsi script written in gold paint. He opened one of the doors and stepped aside so Jaedynn could enter and there was a mahogany desk to the left with a young woman sitting there with her black hair in a bun and she was dressed in a yellow silk blouse tucked into a brown tweed skirt that went right below her knees. She said something in Farsi which Jaedynn assumed was a welcome that immediately shifted to intrigue for Kamron. The front lobby had a wall that kept the office space out of view but as soon as they turned the corner, there were rows and rows of cubicles and people at their desks working.

"It's smaller in here than I thought," Jaedynn said.

"Most of the space is reserved for the dock. This office is more for the purpose of logistics, filling orders and quality control. Come; I'll show you the warehouse."

Jaedynn followed Roshad through the building to a large door that required a card to enter. Once again, Roshad held the door open while Jaedynn stepped inside a closed off area where employees were packing saffron with specialized stations. There was a giant door at one side that opened as a man was wheeling a trolley of boxes into the warehouse before that door closed tight. Those boxes brought into the warehouse were taken to a specific section for labeling. It was much noisier in this section of the building from the hustle and bustle and use of machinery.

"Is all the packing and labeling done here?"

"No, that's all done in Shiraz. Everything is bottled, labeled and distributed from the warehouse in Shiraz. What you're seeing be brought in now is saffron that is being distributed to customers here in Tehran. Most of the work done here is purely logistics and billing."

"So they're just organizing orders before they're delivered?"

"Yes, exactly," Roshad said. "Restaurant owners and grocers make up the majority of our customer base and our employees have a card that allows them to buy our saffron for a vastly lower price. They only pay the tax."

"That's one hell of a bonus," Jaedynn said. The noise finally woke Kamron and he started to squirm and whimper. "We'd better get back inside. I think all the noise is bothering him."

Roshad brought them back inside using the same key and almost instantly, the noise was alleviated. Kamron fussed for a moment longer but soon calmed down now that it was quiet. Roshad walked Jaedynn through the office showing her the departments, naming the managers of each department who waived at Roshad as he passed but stayed focused on their work until they finally reached Roshad's office which, like any executive office, had plenty of space with a large desk and there were shelves worth of books, pictures of fields filled with flowers, some pictures of Roshad with several different people and glass crocus flowers. Jaedynn went to the shelves to look at all the pictures. Some were very casual: Roshad enjoying one of the soccer games he hosted for employees that he'd mentioned before or him with Bastet or Rashida or Ashti. Others were clearly with customers but one looked a little too decorated compared to others.

"Who's that?" Jaedynn asked, pointing at a picture of Roshad with a man in a white uniform wearing a sash filled with emblems.

"That is Shah Mohammad Pahlavi," Roshad said. "That was back from his 1941 coronation."

"I assume Shah means he's king?"

"Yes, he's king," Roshad said. "He took over after his father was forced by the British to abdicate."

"The British have that kind of clout here?"

"It's more complicated than that I'm afraid," Roshad said. "Maman was delighted with the change. The previous Shah forced an abolishment of wearing the Hijab and women that refused were attacked in the streets. Maman was among those that refused to not wear it so she couldn't go anywhere without suffering harassment. Under Shah Pahlavi women can wear the hijab if they wish. Unfortunately, Shah Pahlavi comes with his own set of problems."

"So I take it that picture is purely formality?"

"Not necessarily," Roshad said. "His reign started on a really good note. Political prisoners were released and rehabilitated and there were favorable policy changes, but by the fifties there were already issues and there was an attempted coup. It was unsuccessful but his image among most world leaders and the people never really recovered. Except for Nixon. Nixon and the Shah are good friends. The crux of his waning popularity has been the policy reforms we call the White Revolution. The Shi'a especially are extremely unhappy with it since among the changes was women having voting rights. There was an attempted assassination back in '65 and he didn't help people's opinion of him when he proclaimed himself Shāhanshāh or 'King of Kings'. He had a second coronation for it and everything. Given he's done so much to modernize Iran, it's a rather unusual title to insist on taking. In '71 there was a celebration marking 2500 years of the Persian Empire. On the other hand, we've been experiencing economic growth as well."

"So like most politicians, it's a mixed bag?"

"I guess that's one way to put it," Roshad said and shrugged. "There are things about him I like and things I don't like. We'll be inviting him to the wedding regardless, though whether or not he'll attend is another matter entirely. I would wager he'll be sending an expensive gift and calling it a day."

"I won't be heartbroken if he doesn't attend."

"Neither will I," Roshad smiled and kissed Jaedynn's head. "It would just be rude not to invite him. If we were having the wedding here, he might attend but since it'll be in Isfahan he's not likely to be able to travel just for a saffron peddler's wedding."

"Well if that's his attitude, I don't want him there anyway," Jaedynn smiled, then there was a knock on the doorframe before an older man in dress pants, a dress shirt and tie with grayed hair stepped into the office. Roshad and this man had a brief correspondence in Farsi before Roshad shifted to English.

"Jaedynn, this is my Executive Assistant Hashem Farahmand. Hashem, this is my wife Jaedynn and our son Kamron." The title and child clearly took Mr. Farahmand by surprise

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mrs. Javadi," Hashem said and bowed his head after making sure to look respectful following the shock. "I've heard about you from Mr. Soliman, but I didn't realize you two had married and had a child."

"Things did move a little faster than anticipated with Kamron but we'd not change a thing. We're having another wedding in Isfahan next year?"

"In Isfahan?"

"Yes, of course," Roshad said. "Obviously you and your family will be invited."

"Roksana will embrace the excuse to go to Isfahan," Hashem chuckled. "Allow me to properly introduce myself, Mrs. Javadi: I've been working for your husband the past twenty years. As you can see, he's aged far more gracefully than I have."

"Nonsense – you don't look a day over twenty five," Jaedynn smiled pleasantly and made Hashem laugh. He said something in Farsi to Roshad that made him laugh a little too.

"You are too kind, Mrs. Javadi," Hashem said.

"So have you always been Roshad's Executive Assistant?"

"No, I started here in the accounting department, I became the lead of finance and then ten years ago, I'd heard the Executive Assistant position was about to open up after Farood retired so I threw my hat in. I was fortunate enough to earn the position and have been Mr. Javadi's Executive Assistant since then." Then Hashem went back into business mode and said something to Roshad.

Roshad responded before saying to Jaedynn, "I'm sorry, Jaedynn, Hashem and I need to work on something."

"Go right ahead," Jaedynn said. "I'll make myself comfortable."

Jaedynn stepped away to take a seat on the leather couch in the office while Roshad helped Hashem with whatever had brought the man to his office. The two were deep in conversation for several minutes while Jaedynn focused on Kamron who was awake and his eyes were wandering around the room. Once they finished whatever they'd been working on, the two men spoke as Roshad walked Hashem out of his office. Once he'd left the office and they were alone again, Roshad sat beside Jaedynn on the couch.

"I invited him and his wife out to dinner tonight," Roshad said.

"That'll be nice," Jaedynn said. "Does his wife speak English?"

"Yes, she does. She used to work for the British Embassy."

"Really? That's amazing," Jaedynn said, "Why'd she stop?"

"They had their son so she retired to be a stay at home mother," Roshad said. "As I know it, they weren't planning to have children but alas she got pregnant. Their son will be 12 in January."

"Oh, so they had a kid late in life."

"When she was 34 and he was 36," Roshad said.

"Did they only have the one son?"

"Yes, just Darius," Roshad said. "He won't be joining us tonight. He'll be at a friend's house tonight."

"Will they mind if Kamron is with us?"

"I would recommend allowing maman to look after Kamron for tonight," Roshad said. "We can have a night out together just the two of us."

"Maybe next time," Jaedynn said. "Ashti had Kamron all day yesterday and I feel like I barely saw him. I'd like to take Kamron with us if we could."

"Of course," Roshad smiled and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Hashem was not the last to come to Roshad's office needing assistance with something or to have an urgent or escalated matter addressed. He didn't want Jaedynn to have to sit on the couch with nothing to do while he worked, so he reached out to Bastet to pick up Jaedynn and bring her back home. He promised a time when he'd return home so they could get ready for tonight and she left with Bastet once he arrived. Thankfully Rashida was home to make sure Jaedynn wasn't bored. When Roshad finally returned home, they got ready for dinner and eventually left. The night went on pleasantly. Roksana was very pleasant and gave Jaedynn her full attention so Roshad and Hashem could talk. When dinner was over and the check came, she watched as Roshad and Hashem spent several minutes arguing over who would pay the bill.

Later in the week when it was the day of the party, Jaedynn stood back and watched as several dozens of people were getting the house decorated, lanterns strategically placed in the garden and tables set up in the ball room for food to be laid out. It felt as though they were setting up for a wedding reception. Ashti helped Jaedynn get dressed in something she deemed appropriate (which did include Jaedynn wearing a hijab) and she was ready by the time Roshad returned home from the office. When the party finally started, Jaedynn was really nervous since she didn't really know anyone except Hashem and his wife so she stuck by Roshad's side. Every person that came to speak with them, he proudly introduced Jaedynn to and those that were able to speak English would converse with her while those that did not would welcome her as best they could, but no matter who she spoke to they made her feel very welcome. Ashti was taking care of Kamron through the night and only came to get Jaedynn if he was hungry. Otherwise, she was showing Kamron off to anyone that would see him proclaiming how cute he was and bragging how smart he was already and giving examples.

"Kamron's the life of the party," Roshad joked to Jaedynn when they had a moment to talk alone. Jaedynn followed his gaze and saw Ashti standing near a group of women that were taking turns holding Kamron who was awake but very calm and trying to grab hair or jewelry.

"I'm surprised Ashti's letting anyone hold him," Jaedynn smiled.

"I'm sure she isn't the one that offered," Roshad chuckled. Kamron was calm for the most part but then was passed to another woman and, for some reason, he started to protest and the moment he did, Ashti took the boy in her arms to comfort him. "Poor girl."

"As long as she's not saying she did something wrong," Jaedynn said. "Honestly, I'm sure he's just getting tired so he's bound to be a little grumpy."

"Of all the things I've seen, that is something I could never understand: if you are tired, then go to sleep. Whenever my children were tired, instead of just falling asleep on their maman's or grandma's shoulder, they would wail and cry. There were a few exceptions but most of my sons were that way."

"Some children are just particular," Jaedynn said. "It's like any adult: some can sleep anywhere, others can only sleep in their bed."

"True," Roshad said. By now, Kamron had grown even fussier and was starting to really cry. "Unfortunately, I think Kamron is among those that are particular."

"If he's anything like me then yes: he needs his bed," Jaedynn said and walked over to Ashti to check on Kamron.

As she suspected, Kamron was tired and needed to be put to bed so he could sleep, so Ashti took him upstairs to his nursery and stayed with him to keep watch. She returned to Roshad and stayed with him as they continued around the room welcoming everyone. The party lasted well into the night and by the time Jaedynn and Roshad went to bed she felt like the walking dead. Ashti spoke with Roshad a moment before walking out of the room to give them their privacy. Kamron woke Jaedynn early with his cries for milk. It might have been the first time Kamron's cry didn't wake Roshad who was still asleep in bed. She cleaned him, fed him and then cuddled with him until he went back to sleep. She put Kamron back in his crib once he was settled and went back to bed to get more sleep. She woke up again when Kamron started crying, but this time it woke Roshad and he went to check on Kamron. She was starting to doze off again when Roshad returned to bed and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Good morning," Roshad whispered in her ear.

"Good morning," Jaedynn replied. "Is Kamron back to sleep?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "He's in a fresh diaper and back to sleep. He had a busy night."

"As did we all," Jaedynn said and yawned.

"Did you have a good time last night?" Roshad asked.

"I did," Jaedynn said. "Everyone was really nice."

"Persians always welcome guests with open arms," Roshad said and kissed her head. "So I told maman to let us sleep in today."

"Okay?" Jaedynn answered questioningly and then Roshad started to kiss her neck which caused her to tremble. She turned onto her back when Roshad moved aside for her and then came on top of her continuing to kiss her neck. "I thought we had to be on our best behavior."

Roshad came up so they were looking at one another and, with a mischievous smirk, put a finger over his lips indicating for her to remain silent before going back to her neck to continue kissing her. It took all the effort she could muster to remain silent as they made love that morning. Afterwards, they took a bath together then included Kamron when they overheard him start to whimper. When they finally came downstairs, Ashti swooped in to take Kamron and look after him. It was hers, Bastet's and Rashida's last day in Tehran before they went north to Chalus and Ashti was determined to take advantage of the time. Come dinner time, Ashti was engaged in conversation with Roshad over when she could expect them to visit, when she would need to visit and any possible detail surrounding seeing her grandchildren of which she was confident there would be many. Of course, she didn't say that as a hope so much as she said it as an expectation.

Jaedynn and Roshad remained in Tehran for a week with Roshad going into the office but keeping his days shorter so Jaedynn didn't have to be alone at the palace for too long, but she did have a driver that took her around town if she ever wanted it. He spoke English and was kind enough to come into shops with her, help her barter when necessary, help her pay and get used to the numerals, and communicating with the locals. He was a very nice man. He even recommended some hot spots for her to see like restaurants and hookah bars that were really popular. At one Hookah Bar, she wound up spending hours talking to a college student. She'd asked Jaedynn about Kamron and the conversation grew from there until she realized she'd been talking to this young woman that was majoring in Bio-Chemical Engineering for hours. Jaedynn mentioned that she and Roshad were having a wedding in Isfahan the following year and the young woman gave a long list of potential venues to consider. She was evidently one of seven daughters and the only one thus far to have not gotten married – the eternal bridesmaid she'd jokingly referred to herself as. Her sisters had all gotten married in Isfahan and at different reception venues, though they'd all had their traditional Muslim weddings at Masjid-e Jameh or 'The Great Mosque of Isfahan'. The young woman was kind enough to write everything down on a napkin for Jaedynn and even hugged Jaedynn before she left with the driver.

Then it was time for their long weekend in Isfahan. Roshad had spent a good portion of the week contacting venues, setting up appointments and had a long list of locations for them to see come the weekend. They left Friday evening and went straight to the hotel once they arrived. Sadly Jaedynn had slept through most of the ride and didn't get to view the city as they drove to the hotel, but the following days more than made up for it. Tehran was an industrial city to be sure. Isfahan was like a shining beacon of culture, history, rich colors and gardens all over. Their first stop was The Great Mosque. When Jaedynn had mentioned it to Roshad before, he'd agreed it was an intended stop and he was confident Jaedynn would love it; and indeed she did. It was a spectacle. The mosaic tiles in tan and blue, the pillars that filled the rooms, the designs of the archways of the windows and doorways, the square of the Mosque where a fountain rested: she was speechless.

"What do you think?" Roshad asked her after they'd been walking around the Mosque for about an hour.

"I have no words," Jaedynn said. "When Heather turned 13, a bunch of us went to Paris as her birthday present. I remember going to see Notre Dame and thinking it was a marvel. Now that I've seen this, Notre Dame doesn't even compare."

"Notre Dame has its own charm as I hear," Roshad said, "but this place? It's been around since the Umayyad Dynasty; long before Paris became one of the centers of fashion and art. Second to Italy of course. Persia was a bustling, thriving empire when Europe was engulfed in her dark age."

"Do you think we'll be able to book a day for June next year? As I've heard it so far, this Mosque is a desirable wedding location."

"You let me worry about that," Roshad smiled. "You just tell me if you want to marry here."

"I would love to get married here," Jaedynn said.

"Then we will," Roshad said and kissed her cheek.

Jaedynn stayed near the fountain with Kamron while Roshad did what he needed to in order to ensure they could marry in the month they wanted. When he returned, he told her he was able to get them in for June the 29th; the last Saturday of the month. With the Mosque booked, they spent the next two days looking at reception venues but she just couldn't decide. Every banquet hall was lavish with an enormous garden, a fountain, plenty of space for hundreds of people, for dancing: she loved them all and could easily say yes to any of them. On their last day of seeing venues, Jaedynn couldn't make up her mind. So she told Roshad she wanted him to choose. She wanted to be surprised and Roshad agreed he would choose and allow her to find out day of the wedding. They returned to Tehran and to a routine that they'd established the previous week where Roshad would go into work and Jaedynn would tour the city with Kamron. By September, she had her favorite places and was even going out to lunch either with Roksana or the young college student she'd met on a regular basis. She still wanted to go back home eventually, but she could now see herself spending extended periods in Tehran without issue.

Bastet, Rashida and Ashti returned to Tehran when it was the last few days before Jaedynn and Roshad were set to leave. Jaedynn was taken rather off guard when Ashti walked up to Jaedynn upon her return, hugged her and then kissed her cheeks three times. The woman had never been quite so affectionate but Jaedynn said nothing, not wanting to draw attention lest Ashti return to being cold. She'd taken Kamron as was her usual routine but had made a point to say to Jaedynn, "You make me very happy, Azizam," then walking away. She almost didn't believe it had happened but wasn't about to complain about it. On their last day, Ashti could not be parted from Kamron for even a moment. It was planned that Ashti, Bastet and Rashida would come to Washington for Christmas to visit, but even so it was a long time in Ashti's mind to be away from her grandson. Although she seemed rather confident that she, at least, would be returning to Washington much sooner.

"I don't mean to sound ungrateful," Jaedynn said to Roshad as they were packing their suitcases, "but did something happen with Ashti that's made her…..nicer?"

"Not that she's told me," Roshad said. "I said to her that I was very happy to see she was being so pleasant to you and she told me she's always pleasant to her daughters-in-law. I didn't argue with her."

"Nor would I," Jaedynn said. "I'm sorry to question a good thing; I just wasn't expecting it is all."

The next morning, they said goodbye to everyone promising to see them again soon. Ashti reminded Jaedynn she would be seeing her again very soon and Jaedynn did not argue or question her. They were driven to the airport and waited a few hours before they could finally get on the plane and 13 hours later, they were finally back in Washington. It was the middle of the week, so they took a taxi back home and when they returned, Jaedynn went straight to bed. Everything in her body ached. She felt like she'd just done hours of weight lifting the previous day instead of sitting on a plane for 13 hours with a sobbing infant. It took a day of sleeping to finally feel normal again, but 'normal' didn't last long. Jaedynn woke one morning shortly after they'd returned home to Kamron crying and went to attend to him. She cleaned and fed him then stayed with him until he fell back asleep, but while she was tending to him, she felt sick to her stomach and the achiness just wouldn't pass. She tried going back to sleep, but she just couldn't and instead went to the bathroom to take a hot bath. She was fine until she tried adding some floral oils to the water. And when the lavender – a smell she normally very much appreciated – hit her nose, she dropped the bottle of oil, ran to the toilet and vomited.

"Jaedynn?" Roshad asked from outside, first hearing the bottle fall and then hearing Jaedynn getting sick. "What's wrong?"

Jaedynn tried to answer but as soon as she lifted her head, she got another whiff of the lavender oil that now filled the room to a sickening degree and she vomited again. So Roshad came in to help her. Jaedynn could only point at the jar of oil and Roshad quickly did his best to clean the spill, throwing out all the rags he'd used and the bottle in the hopes of getting rid of the smell. He drained the tub so the scented water would also go away then he cleaned the tub trying to remove the smell. He made sure to clean his hands to get rid of any remaining smell of lavender and only then could Jaedynn breathe easy.

"Better?" Roshad asked and Jaedynn nodded.

"I wanted to take a bath. My muscles are really sore, but that lavender hit me really bad," Jaedynn said. Her head was also pounding at the moment.

"Do you want me to make you some gold milk tea?" Roshad asked.

"I'll take some," Jaedynn said. "Maybe it'll help my queasiness. Do you suppose you could fill the tub with hot water again? No added smells?"

"Of course," Roshad said and got the water started and helped Jaedynn into the tub once the water was warm. He left to make some tea and gold milk and returned to the bathroom with a stool to place the mug on that was filled with golden milk tea. By then, Jaedynn still felt sore, but her nausea had passed. She'd also had a moment to reflect.

"I think I know why your mom was being so nice to me before we left," Jaedynn said.

"Why's that?" Roshad asked.

"I think she knew I was pregnant," Jaedynn said. At first Roshad looked surprised then thought about it and started to gently chuckle.

"And here I thought she was being sweet out of the kindness of her heart," Roshad said. He kneeled beside the tub and dipped his hand into the water the hold hers. "You're really pregnant?"

"I'm just guessing right now," Jaedynn said. "I'll know for sure after a pregnancy test."

"I'll call Kyle," Roshad said and was about to stand, but Jaedynn held his hand to stop him.

"Not now," Jaedynn said. "I'd rather we relax in the tub together first." Roshad obliged and undressed before getting into the tub with Jaedynn. Even if they didn't have the doctor's confirmation, Roshad still rubbed his hands over Jaedynn's belly excited over the possibility.

"Maman has informed me," Roshad said in her ear, "that if our next child is a daughter, her name is to be Iman Ashti. She's fallen in love with the name."

"Not Scheherazade?"

"That'll be our next daughter's name," Roshad said. "I told maman that if we promised to name our first daughter Iman Ashti, then our next daughter will be Scheherazade. She agreed that was acceptable."

"Don't tell your mother I said this, but I hope it's a boy," Jaedynn said jokingly. "Navid. I really like that name."

"I admit I would like a girl," Roshad said, "but I will be happy with either. Iman Ashti or Navid. What should our son's middle name be?"

"What do you want his middle name to be? And I mean you. Not what your mom has 'determined' it will be," Jaedynn asked and Roshad chuckled a little.

"Please forgive maman; she only loves her grandchildren."

"And for that I'm abundantly grateful," Jaedynn said, "But I do wish she'd….back off a little for lack of a better word."

"I'm afraid I cannot perform miracles," Roshad said and kissed Jaedynn's cheek. "As to his middle name," Roshad began and thought about it, "Amir. After my eldest son. Navid Amir."

"Navid Amir," Jaedynn said out loud and smiled, "I love it."

"Me too," Roshad said.

They eventually called Kyle and a few days later, he came to the city to perform the pregnancy test for Jaedynn. She was indeed pregnant as she suspected. Word spread to her family who were delighted with the news and, while she was happy for her little sister, Ivory couldn't help telling Jaedynn she was 'a few nickels short of a dollar' for getting pregnant again so soon. Regardless, Jaedynn was happy. They eventually called Ashti to inform her that Jaedynn was pregnant and, as Jaedynn suspected, Ashti wasn't the least bit surprised. She told Roshad that she would be on the next plane to Washington, but Roshad pleaded to let him find her an apartment before she made the trip out there for which Jaedynn was extremely grateful. The idea of Ashti being in the house for nine months was more than she could handle.

That same time come October, Boss was getting Ahiga and Freddie ready for the Water Glove Tournament. They'd gotten the confirmation weeks prior that they were accepted into the tournament and had been preparing ever since. It was a three day tournament that started Friday and ended Sunday before Halloween and there would be a cash prize for all the winners. There were not nearly as many competitors since it wasn't a rookie tournament. Ahiga was really the only one there that didn't have dozens of other tournaments under his belt but his knockout win had gotten him in. This time, Oscar was determined to come and made the arrangements to ensure he'd be there. Travis would be coming too as would Oliver.

Ahiga spent extra time at the gym so he could prepare for the fight and Nesia was at his side the whole way. She prepared food for him in accordance to Boss's specifications to make sure he would be in his weight class and ensured their house would be ready to accommodate Travis and Ahiga's brothers. They all arrived on Thursday before the tournament was set to start. Ahiga had met Boss and Freddie at the gym so they could all drive into the city so he could weigh in. He made weight, so they went to the hotel so Ahiga could drink some water and eat light to replenish for the next day. Before getting to sleep, he called home so he could let Nesia know he'd made weight and so he could talk to his brothers. They all promised to see him tomorrow at the start of the tournament and once they ended the call Ahiga went to bed for the night.

Nesia took that Friday off and drove herself, Haseya, Oscar, Travis and Oliver into the city so they could see the fight. They narrowly made it in time for the fights to begin, though thankfully the Middleweights were not fighting yet. They were, however, fighting by noon. There were eight Middleweights competing and their rounds took up an hour and a half. Ahiga was the second to fight and was paired with a guy that, from what Ahiga could tell, was visibly annoyed to be fighting against a rookie and Ahiga mentioned as much to Boss.

"Good," Boss said, "he's underestimating you. Take advantage of it."

Ahiga braced himself and didn't allow his opponent's lack of enthusiasm or dismissive attitude concern him. He couldn't help looking around before the fight trying to find Nesia and when he did she smiled at him and waived her hand. Seeing both Oscar and Oliver there did wonders to boost his moral as well. By the time the fight started, Ahiga felt like a titan. Ahiga's opponent didn't even bother with caution. Ahiga punished him for it and dodged, blocked and threw strategic punches that taught his opponent real quick that Ahiga wasn't just some newbie that didn't know what he was doing. Once his opponent realized what he was up against, albeit too late for him to fix his mistakes in the first round, he finally took Ahiga seriously but there was still that annoyance Ahiga could sense. Since it was the preliminaries, the fight only lasted for 15 rounds but it was all he needed. By the last few rounds, it was too late for his opponent and Ahiga earned the most points. After all the rounds were fought, the referee got both men in the center of the ring, took a brief pause, then held up Ahiga's arm to indicate he was the winner and the crowd cheered.

Ahiga and Freddie were able to rest before the roster for the following day was announced. Freddie had made it to the 2nd rounds for the Welterweight class and Ahiga for the Middleweight class. Their opponents were decided upon and they'd fight around the same time the next day. After they all left the arena, Nesia, Haseya, Travis, Oliver and Oscar joined Ahiga at the motel they were staying at so they could spend some time together, but it had to be brief so Ahiga could get some sleep. The next day they did everything all over again. Ahiga and his opponent were the first of the Middleweights to fight. Freddie had already won his fight earlier that day and had earned his spot for the final fight, so there was pressure on Ahiga's shoulders to do the same. His opponent learned from the man from the previous day and would not be making the same mistake. So when the fight began, Ahiga's opponent treated him as he'd treat any other opponent. He treated Ahiga like someone that could actually win.

As a result, his opponent turned out to be a really tough fight. It was like sparing against Freddie and Ahiga worried he might not win, but he didn't dwell on the thought and kept fighting. At the end of the fight, Ahiga waited nervously for the referee to call them to the center of the ring and became even more nervous once summoned to stand beside the referee. The referee grabbed both men's hands and finally presented the judges' decision, lifting Ahiga's hand to announce he was the winner. He could hear Boss getting excited. The man would never admit it, but he'd been nervous about the fight too.

"Hey," Ahiga's opponent said after they'd been released from the referee, "good fight."

"You too. That was a close one," Ahiga answered.

His heart was still pounding when he left the ring. Nesia ran up to give him a hug and congratulate him but it was too early to celebrate yet. He had one more opponent to fight before he could be deemed the winner in his weight class. When they returned to the motel, Ahiga asked for Nesia to stay in his room instead of with Haseya. Nesia was a little surprised he wanted her with him that night assuming he'd want the alone time to sleep, but she complied and went back to his room with him. Once they were in the room together, Ahiga walked to the bed and fell backwards, ready to go to sleep right there.

"Jameson was really tough," Ahiga said, referring to his opponent from that day.

"You did great," Nesia assured as she laid down beside him on the bed.

"I don't think so," Ahiga said. "I thought I might lose that one."

"Ahiga," Nesia said and brought her hand to his cheek to make him look at her, "don't think like that. When you fight, you go in knowing you can win. And if you do lose, then at least you made your opponent work for it."

"I got into this tournament because I got a knockout victory," Ahiga said. "Compared to that, what I've done so far hasn't been comparable."

"That's not true," Nesia insisted, "it's not about achieving a flawless victory. There will be times when you might lose. It's part of competing. But when you lose, you learn from it and you get better. How many times did you fight and lose to Freddie before you got to a point where you could beat him? Several, right?"

"Yeah," Ahiga said, seeing her point.

"Tomorrow, I want you to fight and give it your all. If you lose tomorrow, you learn from it and you get better. If you win, then you hold your head high and know that you earned it."

"I don't want to lose."

"I know you don't," Nesia said. "I don't want you to lose either. But remember this: there is no shame in losing if you did so after putting forward a good fight." Ahiga was quiet a moment as he looked up at her until he eventually smiled.

"Thanks, Nesia. I think that's exactly what I needed," Ahiga said. He brushed her hair back behind her ear affectionately as she smiled back at him. "I want you so badly, but I really need to get some sleep."

Nesia giggled, "Shower first then go to bed. I'll still be here in the morning."

"Promise?"

"I promise," Nesia smiled and leaned down to give him a kiss. He deepened the kiss but stopped just in time to make sure it didn't get too far and left the bed so he could shower.

Nesia got herself into bed and was drifting by the time Ahiga finished his shower and made it to bed. She felt him kiss her cheek and heard him say he loved her and she answered back with a mumbled, groggy, 'I love you too'. Ahiga slept better that night than he had the night before. He even woke up before the alarm feeling refreshed. Nesia was still asleep when he woke up. He was usually awake and out of bed before her and every time he saw her he asked himself how he had gotten so fortunate as to have Nesia at his side; how fortunate he was that she'd stayed by his side even at his darkest point. He would never forgive himself for how he was starting to treat her. Now that he looked back at it, he'd been turning into Barka: mean, cold and ungrateful. He'd sworn he'd never treat her that way again, but now he wanted to fulfill his other promise to himself: being the man she deserved. Seeing in himself what she could see.

Ahiga wrote a little note for Nesia letting her know he'd left with Boss and Freddie for the arena and that he would see her again later before his fight before kissing her head being careful not to wake her. His opponent that day was a guy named Hal Sanderson and their fight was scheduled for 11. He'd not been able to see Hal fight for himself but he'd heard about both fights and knew he'd be in for a challenge. Freddie had his fight at 9 in the morning against a guy from Olympia. 30 rounds later, Freddie came out on top and had made the victory look effortless. At least to Ahiga that's how it had seemed. When his turn finally came, Boss led Ahiga up to the ring and he stopped to take a moment to look for Nesia. There she was: right up front with an encouraging smile on her face with his mother and brothers beside her offering the same encouragement. Ahiga and Sanderson went to the center of the ring and bumped their gloves together for sportsmanship as the referee came near.

"I saw your last two fights, rookie. You're not half bad," Sanderson said.

"Wouldn't be here if I wasn't good," Ahiga said.

"A bunch of us heard about your knockout win; thought it was beginner's luck. Looks like that's not the case."

"You bet your ass it wasn't," Ahiga said.

"Good; we'll have a good fight," Sanderson said, "but I'll be winning this one, rookie."

"I'll let you think that," Ahiga answered and Sanderson laughed a little.

Ahiga wasn't sure if his opponent was trying to intimidate him or if he had so little respect for Ahiga's ability that he just assumed it would be a win for him. Either way, Ahiga made a point not to let it bother him. He thought about what Nesia said to him the night before: give it your all – don't go in feeling like you might lose. Instead, go in knowing you can win. So that's what Ahiga did. He knew he could win and he would do it. When the referee started the fight, Ahiga was so tempted to go on the offensive right away, but he stopped himself and allowed himself a chance to feel out his opponent. However, he did throw the first punch and was able to get a good hit in before Sanderson got his arms up in a defensive stance.

"Don't let him get to you, Ahiga," Nesia mumbled, having overheard what they'd spoken about. She knew Ahiga couldn't hear her, but she willed for the sentiment to make it to him somehow.

His initial aggression had worked in Ahiga's favor and he received the higher number of points in the first round. When the bell rang, they went to opposite ends of the ring to cool down and Boss held onto the ropes giving Ahiga water and words of encouragement. He couldn't help smirking at Sanderson's clear frustration. Despite his claims that he'd seen the previous fights, he'd still not taken Ahiga seriously at all. There was a satisfaction in proving the man wrong, but he still had 29 rounds left unless he could get a knockout. They went back into the ring and returned to the fight once the bell rang.

"Kick his shit in, Ahiga!" Oscar yelled and Ahiga overheard his brother's voice.

He stayed cautious at first, though. He knew Sanderson was prepared for Ahiga to get aggressive and would not suffer the same assault if he did so. So Ahiga waited for Sanderson to make the first move. He threw a punch that Ahiga managed to block and the two of them threw several punches at one another. They both got punches to each other's noses but Ahiga's punch landed first resulting in more damage. He heard Sanderson's nose break while Ahiga's nose did not break, but he did feel blood start to fall. Sanderson swore and started backing away but otherwise stayed in form and was ready to fight again, his bloody broken nose be damned. The bell rang and they parted ways going to their separate corners. Nesia smelled the blood but seeing it made her that much more worried but Ahiga didn't look bothered. Once in his corner, Boss cleaned away the blood and knew it wasn't serious when Ahiga didn't react to a cloth going under and around his nose.

"That's my boy, Ahiga," Boss praised when he noticed Sanderson flinch while his own coach was attending to him, "you broke the fucker's nose. That'll slow him down. Keep up the good work. You're giving this guy a run for his money."

"Teach him for calling me a rookie," Ahiga said.

"I don't think he's learned his lesson yet. Looks to me like he needs a better ass whooping. Get in there and give him some what-for," Boss encouraged before Ahiga got back in the ring.

As Boss had said, the broken nose did hinder Sanderson quite a bit, but he still put forward a good fight. Out of courtesy for the man, Ahiga avoided his nose as best he could and instead went for other extremities. In the next few rounds, Sanderson stayed more cautious but Ahiga never let the guy get too far away. Halfway through the fight, Ahiga determined now was the time to really push his opponent. Sanderson was trying to make Ahiga waist his energy, but it wasn't working. Ahiga managed to land an uppercut to the man's chin, though it sadly didn't result in a knockout. It did, however, cause Sanderson to fall back against to ropes. Sanderson got a hold of himself but it wasn't quickly enough to get back into the fight before the bell rang, ending the round. With each round, Sanderson became more and more frustrated and during one of the later rounds, he made a critical mistake and ended up elbowing Ahiga in the chin at which point the referee stepped in. It would cost Sanderson a point for that round.

"Why's the referee stepping in?" Travis asked.

"You're only allowed to punch," Nesia explained. "Sanderson used his elbow which is against the rules and it'll cost him a point."

"Good," Oliver said.

After another break, a new round began and both Ahiga and Sanderson went into the fight giving it their all. They each landed painful punches, they both drew blood and both were determined. When it was finally the 30th and final round, Ahiga was starting to get nervous. Sanderson had made some mistakes, but he'd also given Ahiga a run for his money. Unless Sanderson had made some mistakes Ahiga didn't notice, the match could go to either of them. Regardless, Boss seemed confident the fight was his and while Ahiga was waiting for the last round to start, Boss affirmed to Ahiga he was doing fantastic and it was just one more round. Both men came to the center of the ring again and when the bell rang, the fight continued. Ahiga went on the offensive right away. Sanderson was tired and Ahiga could tell and wanted to take full advantage. Sanderson stayed on defense as Ahiga went into full assault. Ahiga narrowly managed to avoid Sanderson's punches as he was moving around the ring. With just a few seconds left, Ahiga got two hits to land on Sanderson's chest making the man fall against to ropes again. He tried to get up but was too late and the bell rang, ending the fight.

They went to their own corners as the judges tallied the scores for each round to determine the winner. Boss and now Freddie were on the ropes outside the ring patting Ahiga on the shoulder, giving him water and dabbing the sweat away. Nesia and the others anxiously awaited the results and Nesia felt like her chest might seize when the referee asked both combatants to return to the center of the ring. The crowd actually went silent as they waited for the results but she could overhear some people mumbling their certainties over who the victor was. The referee took both men by their hands and seconds later, he pulled up Ahiga's hand proclaiming him the winner. Nesia was sure she must have deafened the people in front of her for how loudly she cheered. But the whole arena was cheering. Boss and Freddie were holding onto the ropes proclaiming their own cheers of approval while Ahiga stood in awe of the accomplishment. He eventually left the ring and Nesia pushed through the crowd so she could hug him while Haseya, Travis, Oscar and Oliver followed after.

"You're not a rookie anymore, kid," Boss praised and patted Ahiga's back as he'd embraced Nesia.

"Is he allowed to eat again?" Oscar teased.

"He can relax a bit," Freddie said.

"Good; we'll all go out somewhere. My treat," Oscar said.

"No, my treat," Ahiga said. "I won $200 along with my medal."

"You and I will split the bill," Freddie offered, having also won $200 to accompany his gold medal.

They were at the arena for several more hours as the last several fights occurred. Once all the winners were determined, everyone was divided by their weight classes and given their respective medals of gold, silver and bronze. Ahiga and Freddie both received their gold medals and pictures were taken for the Monday paper. When they could finally leave, Ahiga had his arm around Nesia the whole time they walked out of the arena and to their respective cars. They went somewhere to get dinner and drinks to celebrate their victories. Boss and Nesia acted as the designated drivers so they could get back home. Travis, Oscar and Oliver stayed in the city since their flights home were leaving the following day but made sure to congratulate Ahiga before he went home with Nesia. Once they'd made it back, Nesia helped Ahiga into the house and up the stairs to their bedroom.

"Nesia," Ahiga slurred after she'd laid him onto the bed, "let's take a bath together."

"I don't know if I should put you in water. In your state you might drown," Nesia teased.

"If you come with me, I'll have a life guard," Ahiga answered.

"This is true," Nesia smiled. "I'll get the water running but you have to promise not to fall asleep on me."

"I promise," Ahiga said but his eyes were already closed.

Nesia just giggled and walked to the bathroom to get the water running. Once it was at the right temperate, she put in the stopper and put some vanilla bubble bath in the tub watching the bubbles immediately begin to form. When she stepped out to get Ahiga, he was already breathing evenly indicating he'd fallen asleep. Nesia went to his side placing her hand gently on his shoulder and his head twitched.

"You fell asleep," Nesia said.

"No I didn't. I was resting my eyes," he said as a smile crawled over his face.

"Well, the water's just right, so we can get in the tub. I even put a little bubble bath in it."

"Romantic," he answered and did his best to sit up.

Nesia helped him to his feet and they went to the tub together. Once they were undressed, Nesia helped Ahiga into the tub before getting in with him. It was a really tight fit in such a small tub, but she was able to snuggle up to him in the water as his head rested against the wall. He was already starting to drift back to sleep and Nesia didn't want to disturb him. She turned off the water once the tub was full and rested her head against his chest. She let him sleep for around 30 minutes until she noticed her fingers start to prune. She gently started to trail her hand over his chest until he stirred and woke.

"Was I asleep?" he asked, groggy.

"Yeah," Nesia said. "It's okay. You deserved a nap."

"A nap wasn't really want I was hoping for," Ahiga smiled, still clearly tired. "I'm finally starting to sober up."

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Ahiga said. "I don't have a headache or anything."

"Good," Nesia said and kissed his chest. "Let's get dried off and go to bed. We've both got work in the morning."

Ahiga nodded and they left the tub to start drying off. Once they were dry, Ahiga wrapped his arms around her waist and started kissing her neck. Nesia planted her hands against the door of the bathroom and tilted her head for him. One of his hands trailed down between her legs so he could gently rub her clitoris.

"You've got a burst of energy after your cat nap?" Nesia teased breathily.

All Ahiga did was nod for an answer. She felt Ahiga harden behind her as he was pleasuring her. Soon she was drenched so Ahiga used his other hand to guide himself inside her. He wrapped his arm back around her again and held her in place while he started to thrust his hips forward while continuing to rub between her legs. She was being brought closer and closer to release both from his fingers and his thrusts near immediately. After mere minutes, she reached her orgasm as her cheek was pressed against the wall and he kept moving until he pulled out suddenly so he'd release on her lower back and hip. He kept Nesia in place for a moment just to bask in the aftermath and enjoy the view of her body. She gently swayed her hips which renewed his excitement, so he grabbed her hips to still them.

"You keep that up, we won't get to bed any time soon," Ahiga said.

"If only we didn't have work tomorrow," Nesia said in a sweet little voice. Ahiga smiled and took a washcloth that he wetted in the sink so he could wipe away the mess he'd made on her. He tossed the rag on the shower rail to dry and carried Nesia out of the bathroom to their bed. "I love you, Ahiga."

"I love you too," he answered and kissed her neck again before turning off the light.

In Korea, once it was nearing the end of the year, it was time to harvest the rice. It would be his second rice harvest, but this time he'd be going into the city with the group of men that normally went north for selling. Some of the rice was used to make makgeolli which they would also sell, hence why Jae Sun was asked to come into the city with the group that way they could easily sell to American troops or English speaking tourists or even Japanese tourists. It was a two week long process of harvesting the rice, hulling the rice, packaging the rice to sell as is and making makgeolli with a percentage of the harvest before bottling it in as many glass bottles as they could procure. At the end of it all, it required two large bed trucks to transport all the rice and all the bottles of makgeolli, although Jae Sun reserved some that he would be sending home along with the home made soy sauce he was still fermenting.

Jae Sun made some large signs to advertize what they were selling. He wrote it out in Hangul, in Japanese and in English. He couldn't resist adding a little cartoon on all the signs portraying Poki as drunk sitting beside an opened ongi with a crow and blue bird perched atop the rim of the ongi staring down at the cat. Once they'd made it into downtown Seoul, they went to a grocer's market region and set up shop. The cartoons on the signs turned out to be a great marketing idea. Children would see the little cartoons on the sign that Jae Sun had drawn and would drag their parents with them to the stand in order to get a closer look. There was a man that was at the market with his wife and son and when the little boy came over to look at the cartoon, really liked it and made his father look at it. That man asked who'd made the cartoon which Jae Sun answered, the man purchased a few bottles of makgeolli then walked away to finish their shopping. Jae Sun assumed that was the end of it until the marketplace was closing for the day and they closed shop. The plan was to stay another day to sell the last of the rice before packing up and returning to the country.

"Excuse me," the man from earlier said to Jae Sun as they finished covering their stand. The man had stood there for a moment in shock of Jae Sun's height at first having only now seen him standing upright instead of in a chair.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we're closed for the evening. We will be reopening tomorrow, though," one of the men Jae Sun was with said.

"Oh, no, no, my wife and I already bought what we wanted," the man said. "I actually wanted to talk to you."

"Me?" Jae Sun said.

"Yes; you said you made these cartoons, right?" Jae Sun nodded. "Well, my son expressed quite a liking of them. Have you ever considered making cartoons professionally?"

"I used to work for an animation company back home."

"Where's home?"

"Seattle, Washington," Jae Sun answered.

"Ah," the man said, "I presume your father is American and your mother is Korean?"

"Yes, that's correct. My father is a Korean War Veteran."

"That explains a lot," the man said, "not the least of which your height. How tall are you?"

"About 30.4 centimeters," Jae Sun answered.

"Oh wow," the man said with a small laugh, "I suppose my son was right to call you giant."

"I get that a lot," Jae Sun said.

"I bet you do. Anyway, the reason I wanted to talk to you is I work for a publisher here in Seoul and we own several newspapers. We have a section for cartoonists to publish their work and I was wondering if you might be interested."

"Wait, really?"

"Yes, really," the man said.

"What would I need to do to apply formally?"

"You said you'll be here until tomorrow?" Jae Sun nodded. "Draw a few samples and I'll come back tomorrow to see what you've got. If they're good and have a child friendly story, then we'll set up a day for you to come to the office for a formal interview. Do you have a portfolio?"

"Yes, I do," Jae Sun said.

"Excellent. I've no doubt I'll like what I see tomorrow so I'll talk to my boss in the morning to see what appointments we can set up and I'll let you know if there's anything else we need you to bring in."

"Absolutely. Thank you so much Mister….."

"Park. Park Yu Hei. And your name?"

"Dauer Jae Sun."

"Very good to meet you, Mr. Dauer. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow."

"Same to you, Mr. Park. And thank you."

Jae Sun shook the man's hand before he walked away and that night at the hotel he worked on making a few panel's worth of cartoons. They were recreations of comic panels he'd made before for fun as well as a new one just for Mr. Park. The following day, he focused on selling the rice and makgeolli but kept an eye out for Mr. Park. He eventually arrived towards the end of the day and Jae Sun offered the panels he'd made which, just from a first glance, Mr. Park was extremely fond of. He told Jae Sun the address of the publishing house and the time he needed to be there for the interview with the Art Director. It would the upcoming Friday. He was so excited but extremely nervous. He spent days making sure his portfolio was perfect and updating his work resume to include his references from his previous job even if they might not end up calling those references. All this while also getting all the required work done around the farm first and foremost. Come that Friday, he was up bright and early, bathed, dressed nicely and drove into the city going to the address Mr. Park had given him. He'd made it with 15 minutes to spare which he hoped would lead to a good first impression. Then he waited in the lobby of the waiting area until Mr. Park came out to lead Jae Sun where he needed to go. They ended up in a small office in which a man in a vest and dress pants sat at a desk. He was roughly Jae Sun's age, likely ten years his senior max, who was visibly shocked by Jae Sun's height at first glance but he made a point to get over it quickly and he stood from his chair so they could all bow to one another.

"Mr. Dauer, this is our Art Director Mo Yu. Mr. Mo, this is Dauer Jae Sun. He's the artist I told you about."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Jae Sun said and presented his portfolio and resume. "I brought everything you've requested. I hope it's to your satisfaction."

"Thank you," he said as he accepted what Jae Sun offered. They all sat down as Mr. Mo started looking through Jae Sun's portfolio and resume. "So your previous job was in the United States?"

"Yes, sir," Jae Sun said.

"So you're American?"

"Yes, sir," Jae Sun said. "My father is American and my mother is Korean."

"Ah, so your father is a Korean War Veteran then," Mr. Mo said.

"Yes, exactly," Jae Sun answered. Mr. Mo started looking through the comics Jae Sun had provided to Mr. Park and came across the one he'd made special. It began with setting the scene: unknown location outside Pyongyang. He'd been shocked by it first because it was set in North Korea and second because it involved an American POW and a North Korean woman.

"This story you presented," Mr. Mo said, "it's an interesting choice to write a romance between an American and North Korean."

"It's how my parents met," Jae Sun said which got the attention of both men.

"You're mother is North Korean?" Mr. Mo said and Jae Sun nodded nervously. He was fighting himself not to start shaking, fearing he made a horrible mistake. "So your parents met when your father was a POW in a North Korean prison camp?"

"Yes, sir," Jae Sun answered.

"How did they escape?" Mr. Park asked.

"My….uh.." Jae Sun began nervously, "my father and mother saw one another and….somehow or another they felt an instant connection to one another. My mom started sneaking them food and one night my dad gave her a fallen gardenia."

"Like in this panel?" Mr. Mo said and presented the line of panels in question. It wasn't photo-realistic or anything, but the cartoons looked very similar to his parents. In it, his father had found the gardenia, put it in the empty bowl and presented it to his mother and the gesture made her cry tears of joy.

"Yes, exactly," Jae Sun answered. "My mom was adopted by a woman named So Chin Sun and when she welcomed my mother to her family, she did so by presenting her with a gardenia flower. So my dad doing that struck the right heart string with her."

"I can imagine," Mr. Mo said, "so your mother helped him escape?"

"Yes, him and all his comrades who were imprisoned with him. I think there were five in total if I remember the story correctly. My mom wasn't planning to come with them but she was shot during the escape effort and my dad put her on his back and fled. He carried mom through the North Korean countryside until they reached the DMZ and had her on his back as they snuck back into South Korea. It was a big culture shock for my mom at first but once she adjusted, she was happy to have escaped. My parents got married the next year."

"That's quite a story," Mr. Mo said. "I'm sad we cannot publish it."

"Yeah, I've gotten that one a lot too," Jae Sun said. "I've been trying to get that story published for a long time but I'm always told the subject matter is too sensitive."

"Indeed it is," Mr. Mo agreed. "Especially for us. Though let it be stated for the record that I quite enjoy the story."

"Thank you for saying," Jae Sun said.

"As to your other comics," Mr. Mo said, "what inspired these stories?"

"Our old cat," Jae Sun said. "When we were living here during my dad's last year of service in the Army, mom rescued a little cat from a weasel. I was about 2 or 3 I think and I'd started letting the cat in, mom fed him and washed him and I named him Popo. Dad hates cats but he eventually gave in and let mom and I keep him. The two birds in the story are based off legends from my dad's tribe. Bayaq is a raven trickster spirit and the blue bird is said to be my grandfather as the stories go."

"I take it Popo was a mischievous cat?"

"Yes, but not as much as my cat Poki," Jae Sun smiled. "What I've given you are all incidents that involved my first cat Popo but I can get plenty of additional material if I use stories I could tell about Poki."

"Do you think you would have enough for 1 year's worth of comic strips? It would be every Saturday morning these would be published and we would need them no later than Thursday every week."

"I can make that happen," Jae Sun answered eagerly. "I already have three month's worth of comics I could give you right now."

"Good," Mr. Mo answered. "And what are you looking to earn?" That one Jae Sun had to really think about. He knew he couldn't get much or really even a salary given he was doing commissioned work, but it wasn't about the money. He just wanted to do something he loved.

"How about ₩6300 per comic strip?" Jae Sun said, putting the pay at roughly $6. It wasn't much, but he would happily take it.

"What say you?" Mr. Park asked Mr. Mo who took a moment to think about it.

"Can we begin publishing as soon as next Saturday?"

"Yes, sir," Jae Sun answered.

"Well then, Mr. Dauer, starting next Thursday, we will pay you ₩6300 for each panel you give us," Mr. Mo said. "If you ever need to be gone for an extended period, you can bring in extra panels, just tell us what order to put them in and we'll pay you for all the panels you've brought."

"Absolutely, Mr. Mo," Jae Sun smiled and the three of them stood up. Once again, Mr. Mo was surprised by Jae Sun's height but cleared his throat.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Dauer. We look forward to including you in our Saturday morning comic strips."

"Thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr. Mo, Mr. Park," Jae Sun said and bowed to them both. He took back his portfolio but left his resume with all his contact information with them and left feeling like he was on top of the world.

He went through all the comics he'd already drawn of Popo through the years trying to put them in proper order. He redrew all of them for the newspaper so he'd still have copies so he could plan for a cohesive storyline. He started with a quick strip of how Popo had joined their family, though he changed the events just a little. Instead of the Korean countryside, it was their home in Washington for instance. However, he portrayed his mother sitting on their back porch and hearing a kitten crying before coming to the rescue. Instead of a weasel, it was a baby wolverine that his mother heroically his with a broom and forcing to leave. He retold the story to show his mother nursing Popo back to health and added some dialogue between Popo, Blu and Bayaq the Raven. Blu became the sympathizing little bird that tried to keep Popo out of trouble while Bayaq was the one to laugh at poor Popo when his misadventures didn't pan out. But in each strip, no matter what happened, he would end it with his mother, drawn out in American 1950's housewife fashion with an apron and all, picking up Popo and giving him a hug. And so began 고양이 포포의 모험 (goyang-i popoui moheom / The Adventures of Popo the Cat).

Every Thursday, Jae Sun would drive into the city with his installments, they'd give him the ₩6300 they'd agreed on and he would be sent a free copy of the newspaper Sunday after the paper was published. The first time he saw his comic in the paper, he almost couldn't believe it. There were some children in the village that he'd show it to and it became rather customary that on Sunday, the children would all get turns reading the comic section of the newspaper before returning it to Jae Sun. He made sure to buy a second copy of the newspaper that he sent home. JJ was at the General Store working on inventory when one of the kids that worked for him brought a package to him they'd just received from Korea. At first, JJ assumed it was a letter, but then realized it was extremely bulky so he opened it and pulled out a newspaper. He was extremely confused until he found a small note that said, 'Look at page 10'. JJ looked through the paper until he found page 10 and trailed his eyes over the page until he found what Jae Sun was trying to get him to see. When he came home, Eun Mi already had dinner on the table and the kids were waiting to eat.

"Guess what our son sent us," JJ said as he walked into the house.

"What did he send?" Eun Mi asked. JJ handed over the newspaper and told Eun Mi to check page 10 which she did and when she found the comic of a little cat being rescued by a tiny Korean woman and the name Dauer Jae Sun written to credit the artist and author, she got teary eyed.

"What's going on?" Mae Sun asked.

"Jae Sun sent a newspaper that published his artwork," JJ said.

"Really? Can we see?" Eun So said and all the kids came swarming to take a look. The twins saw the comic of Popo and became really excited. She eventually handed it over to them but ordered they all be extremely careful.

"We'll have to have that framed," JJ said and all Eun Mi did was nod, continuing to get misty eyed. JJ smiled and came over to Eun Mi to give her a tight hug.